Social constructivist analysis of a patient medication record experiment - Why a good idea and good intentions are not enough

L. S. Nørgaard*, E. W. Sørensen, J. M. Morgall

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective - To explain the limited success of a local patient medication record (PMR) experiment in pharmacy practice in Denmark from a social constructivist perspective and to promote a discussion among pharmacy practice researchers of how on-going social constructivist analysis can be used to manage experiments in pharmacy practice. Method - A secondary social constructivist analysis of data collected during and after a local experiment on the development and use of PMRs. Data were analysed using three specific social constructivist concepts. The data consisted of 93 qualitative interviews with elderly medicine users with a PMR, 10 qualitative interviews with representatives from health professionals participating in the experiment, and documentary evidence from a research report. Key findings - Eight relevant social groups were identified in the PMR experiment. The groups attached different meanings to the same PMR, such as: threat; totally useless; important tool for preventing drug-related problems, promoting interdisciplinary co-operation and carrying out pharmaceutical care; unnecessary interference in private affairs; security; good checklist. The relevant social groups also had different opinions about responsibility, duty to inform patients about the PMR, and need for and co-ordination of the PMR. Conclusion - The analysis supports an important social constructivist point, namely, that the outcome of a technological development is not given a priori; rather, it is driven by the interests of various social groups. Ongoing identification and assessment of these social groups is recommended to focus future experiments.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Pharmacy Practice
Volume8
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)237-246
Number of pages10
ISSN0961-7671
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2000

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