Nursing Publications
Title
Actor-Network Theory as a sociotechnical lens to explore the relationship of nurses and technology in practice: Methodological considerations for nursing research
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2016
Journal
Nursing Inquiry
Volume
23
Issue
2
First Page
109
Last Page
120
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1111/nin.12118
Abstract
Actor-Network Theory is a research lens that has gained popularity in the nursing and health sciences domains. The perspective allows a researcher to describe the interaction of actors (both human and non-human) within networked sociomaterial contexts, including complex practice environments where nurses and health technology operate. This study will describe Actor-Network Theory and provide methodological considerations for researchers who are interested in using this sociotechnical lens within nursing and informatics-related research. Considerations related to technology conceptualization, levels of analysis, and sampling procedures in Actor-Network Theory based research are addressed. Finally, implications for future nursing research within complex environments are highlighted.