Tackling complexity in e-health with actor-network theory

Abstract

In a context where healthcare costs are increasing exponentially worldwide, both developed and developing countries and making e-health a priority. However, reducing the disparity in healthcare quality and delivery by way of pervasive e-health solutions remains elusive. At least in part, this is attributed to the inherent complexity that characterizes modern healthcare environments. In order to improve current understanding and tackle such complexity, we argue how research in pervasive e-health can be enhanced by using actor-network theory (ANT). © 2014 IEEE.