Exploring the Social Dynamics of Implementing Self-Managed Web-Based Wellness Tools: A Structuration Analysis

Rennie Naidoo
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Rennie Naidoo: Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

International Journal of Healthcare Information Systems and Informatics (IJHISI), 2012, vol. 7, issue 4, 13-31

Abstract: According to proponents of consumer-driven healthcare, the Web continues to offer huge opportunities to empower consumers to take individual ownership over their healthcare. Consequently many healthcare insurance service providers are integrating elements of Wellness into their product and service design and are making these available through Web-based portals. Based on a longitudinal case study of an e-Wellness implementation at a multinational consumer-driven healthcare insurance firm, key concepts from structuration theory are used to explore and analyse the social dynamics involved in the implementation of these contemporary forms of healthcare service encounters. This case study reports that in this particular context, face-to-face consultations continue to prevail over the use of virtual diagnosis and treatment by a computer-meditated virtual stress therapist and dietician practitioner. The author proposes the use of social frameworks to analyse and better understand the intricacies involved in implementing Wellness innovations.

Date: 2012
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