Networked information technologies and patient safety: a protocol for a realist synthesis

DiscussionThe findings of this realist synthesis will shed light on how and why an important class of systems, that span organisations in a health economy, will contribute to changes in patients ’ clinical risks. We anticipate that the findings will be generalizable, in two ways. First, a refined mid-range theory will contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that, for a range of information technologies, lead to changes in clinical practices and hence patients’ risks (or not). Second, many governments are funding and implementing cross-organisational IT networks. The findings can inform policies on their design and implementation.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42017073004
Source: Systematic Reviews - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research