Technicalities of ageing in place : a case study of the integration of residential care services through the use of information technology (IT) in the changing context of care

摘要: Through a case study about the impact of IT adoption in residential aged care organisation, this thesis examines increasing pressure for service integration as mainstreamed through reform policies. Specifically, research investigates role facilitating 1997 agenda 'ageing place' focusing on levels transformation from policy context to organisational/management context, and provision by staff. A single embedded (Yin, 1993) is used order meet general objective capture dynamics ageing place three social contexts. The informed constructionism, theoretical framework that emphasises significance effects language shaping realities (Ainsworth, 2001; Hosking, 1999). framework, therefore, justifies qualitative analysis both written (i.e., documents) spoken interviews with staff) texts address meaning relation context. Changing technologies can result altered societal structures (Betz, 2003) at all levels, very complex basic. As such, it important understand few basic premises technology. First, technology human invention improve well-being society (Ayres, 1996). Consequently, technological inventions quality life are seen people necessity modern living. In ageing, modernisation advances effectively resulted becoming healthier living longer (Department Health Aged Care [DHAC], 2000). Second, means control nature 2003). be modernising process predicting regulating trends existing environment, such ageing. Ageing twenty first century presents challenge government's development policies because depicted steady force long-term economic (Johnson, Third, becomes powerful when sponsored market 2003; Hughes, 1983). Unless backed business, lacks influence large scale. Fourth, enable change. By using IT, governments, business community co-operating paradigm similar sector. result, environment shifting towards more business-like approaches. To sustain changes brought different modes operation, rhetoric employed. Therefore, purpose investigate use processes organisational adaptations reform, which requires examination of: a) specific older since last structural b) rationale behind introduction new system into c) articulated staff who have experienced change The paper represents rhetorical macro or level. There significant global political actor developing proactive strategies results new, multi-organisational approach delivering government-subsidised services, care. Three key institutional were selected represent international local time became concern. Since then, also viewed rights issue. Using Burke's pentad, an analytic analyse (Stillar, 1998), these employ 'technology sustainability' justify approaches seek viability. Technology, name sustainable ensures support growth, balances population existence force, allows intervening powers UN mainstreaming Accordingly, initiates corresponding actions national (Australian Commonwealth Government) state (Queensland levels. medium communication, knowledge transfer, standard practice actions. The second meso This explores cogent computer-based, documentation organisation. Twenty two staff, every level interviewed get insight substantive structure provision. Responses indicate external internal pressured organisation bid future care, industry changing delivery. Structural Reform instigated shift consumer-driven, fixed cost compliance mechanism performance criteria tied funding. Facing requirement evidence corroborate funding, changed its delivery introducing strategic direction. part direction, planning, operations environment. The third micro individual examine frontline based twenty-two across structure; however, focus involved providing direct residents reason has always been management tool handles priorities financial planning monitoring. themes arising discord technical system. It points idea generally refer ethical ideas promise system. In summary, papers attached notion socially constructed. sector particular reference improving enhancing people, case, high services fulfil needs people. meeting evidence-based requirement, information manipulating resources required population. conceived requiring need resource efficiently ensure sustainability, emphasised reform. organisations implement generic practices originated sector, strong balance future. limit dimensions only applied not generalisable other However, strength rests macro-, meso- micro-analysis studies should compare