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Deployment of IT is little discussed in research literature, despite the fact that a successful deployment encompasses complexities and difficulties well worth investigating. The deployment phase of IT systems can be a make-or-break moment for usefulness of the system due to sociotechnical factors. We argue that there is a gap between the technological artefact produced and the social requirements that govern how well the system will fit in the organisation. Hence, in this work in progress paper we present a framework (the SOT framework) for analysing deployment of IT from a sociotechnical perspective.

BACKGROUND:

In Sweden there are modular region-wide EPR systems that are implemented at various health organisations in the region. The market is dominated by four IT systems that have been procured and deployed in 18 out of 21 regions.

METHODS:

In a 2.5-year research study, deployments of three region-wide EPR modules: a patient administration system, eReferral module and eMedication module were followed and evaluated. Health professionals, EPR maintenance organisation, IT and health care managers were observed, interviewed and responded to questionnaires.

RESULTS:

Although the same deployment process was used during the three deployments, large variations in the units' adoptions were observed. The variations were due to: (1) expectation and attitude, (2) management and steering, (3) end-user involvement, (4) EPR learning, and (5) usability and the possibility of changing and improving the EPR.

CONCLUSIONS:

If changes in work processes are not considered in development and deployment, the potential benefits will not be achieved. It is therefore crucial that EPR deployment is conceived as organisational development. Users must be supported not just before and during the go-live phase, but also in the post-period. A problem often encountered is that it is difficult to make late changes in a region-wide EPR, and it is an open question whether it is possible to talk about a successful deployment if the usability of the introduced system is low.