A framework for accessing patient big data: ANT view of a South African health facility

Abstract

This study was undertaken to develop a framework that can be used to guide analysis when translating and transforming big data into a more purposeful resource for healthcare service delivery in South Africa. It is intended to assist in addressing some of the challenges encountered by healthcare facilities. Qualitative data were collected, with a focus on the types of interactions that happen between actors when accessing and using patients’ big data for healthcare services. Actor-network theory (ANT) was applied as a lens in the analysis of the data, to examine the relationships between actors when accessing and using big data for healthcare services. From the analysis, factors influencing the accessing and use of patient’s big data were found. These factors provided the basis from which a framework was developed. The framework can be used to guide the assessment of big data and improve healthcare and service delivery to the community.