Author: Åsa Cajander (Page 4 of 6)

The digital transformation of healthcare has been a topic of significant global interest, with countries continuously exploring ways to enhance patient care and engagement. One of the most transformative initiatives in recent years has been the implementation of Open Notes, a system that grants patients direct access to their clinical records, including test results, diagnoses, and doctors’ notes. Sweden, a leader in digital healthcare innovations, has been at the forefront of this movement, navigating both technical and cultural challenges to provide patients with greater transparency and control over their health data.

A 20-Year Journey to Open Notes

The journey towards Open Notes in Sweden began in the 1990’s, when the region of Uppsala launched a project to provide patients with online access to their health records. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that all of Sweden’s 21 regions connected to the national Open Notes platform. This lengthy timeline underscores the complexity of the initiative, with regional variations in implementation strategies and differing approaches to balancing the needs of healthcare providers and patients.

According to the study, “Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden”, published by Åsa Cajander, Hilde G. Corneliussen, Morten Hertzum, and Gunnar Ellingsen, the process of integrating Open Notes into the Swedish healthcare system has been both challenging and enlightening. The research focuses on the experiences of 14 project managers from five Swedish regions, providing valuable insights into the factors that shaped the project.

Balancing Transparency and Clinical Caution

At the core of the Open Notes initiative is the belief that providing patients with access to their health records promotes transparency, empowers patients, and leads to better healthcare outcomes. For patients with chronic conditions, the ability to access test results promptly is invaluable, allowing them to take a more active role in managing their health.

However, the study highlights that healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with patients accessing sensitive information. In psychiatric care, for example, there was apprehension that patients might misinterpret their records, leading to anxiety or distress. As one interviewee noted, “What will we do now when the patient gets this information? Will they get it before we do? I want to be able to explain to the patient what it means when they read it.”

Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment among project managers was that Open Notes had the potential to revolutionize patient care by fostering more open communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Managing Uncertainty and Conflict

The implementation process was not without its challenges. The project teams often encountered resistance from healthcare providers, who were initially hesitant about the changes. One participant described the journey as a dramatic shift, with healthcare providers moving “from almost being against… very resistant to opening up for new ideas.”

The study also revealed that the complexity of the implementation process was often underestimated. Technical issues, such as problems with communication protocols between local systems and the national platform, added to the difficulty of ensuring a smooth transition. Yet, through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, many of these conflicts were eventually resolved, leading to a more constructive and cooperative environment.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Sweden’s experience with Open Notes offers valuable lessons for other countries and healthcare systems looking to adopt similar initiatives. The key takeaway is that digital transformation in healthcare requires more than just technological solutions—it demands careful consideration of the cultural and professional dynamics within the healthcare sector.

For Open Notes to be successfully implemented, both healthcare providers and patients need to be prepared for the changes. This involves extensive training, risk analysis, and open communication to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned in their understanding of the system’s benefits and challenges.

In conclusion, while the implementation of Open Notes in Sweden was a complex and, at times, contentious process, the long-term benefits for patient empowerment and engagement are undeniable. As healthcare continues to evolve in the digital age, Sweden’s experience serves as a blueprint for how to navigate the intersection of technology, patient care, and professional practice.

You find the full paper here:

Cajander, Å., Corneliussen, H. G., Hertzum, M., & Ellingsen, G. (2024). Insights from the Implementation of Open Notes in Sweden. In Digital Health and Informatics Innovations for Sustainable Health Care Systems (pp. 105-109). IOS Press.

Being a research leader presents continuous challenges and opportunities for personal development. As the leader of the HTO group, consisting of around 15 researchers, and as an Advisor to the Vice Chancellor on Equal opportunities, I find myself in a position to influence both research and the work environment at Uppsala University.

Challenges and the Pursuit of Improvement

Every week, I face new challenges as a leader. Navigating complex research projects, managing diverse personalities, and maintaining an inclusive and productive work environment requires constant attention and adaptation. There is always more to learn!

Clear Leadership: My Next Phase of Development

In 2025, I will participate in the Clear Leadership course, organized by Uppsala University. This four-day program is designed for leaders who, like me, aim to achieve results together with others and create sustainable collaborative relationships. The course offers opportunities for leading in a learning-oriented manner, and I am glad to develop my ability to communicate clearly, understand people better, and create a work environment where knowledge and potential can flourish.

Clear Leadership was developed by Dr. Gervase Bushe in Vancouver, Canada. The concept was introduced to Sweden in 2004 and has quickly become one of the most appreciated and significant leadership programs offered. The program is only conducted by licensed instructors.

The program promises to equip me with tools to:

• Lead using my personal qualities.
• Increase my self-awareness and understand my reactions.
• Enhance my communication skills.
• Create clarity in collaborations.
• Implement a model for increased learning within the organization.

Participating in Clear Leadership is not only a step in personal development but also a way to strengthen the HTO group and our collective pursuit of excellence. I hope to use the knowledge and insights gained to build even stronger relationships within my team and create a more inspiring and productive work environment.

The HTO (Human-Technology-Organization) research group is thrilled to announce our involvement in organizing the NordiCHI 2024 conference, set to take place in Uppsala. This prestigious event, renowned for advancing research and innovation in human-computer interaction, will bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world.

About NordiCHI 2024

NordiCHI, the Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, is a biennial event that serves as a platform for sharing the latest research findings, technological advancements, and best practices in the field of human-computer interaction. The 2024 edition promises to continue this tradition, offering a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations.

HTO Group’s Contribution

Our research group is deeply committed to contributing to the success of NordiCHI 2024. We are actively involved in various organizational aspects, including: We are actively involved in various organizational roles, ensuring a memorable conference experience:

1. Conference Chairs: Åsa Cajander, HTO and Uppsala University, is leading the overall organization of the conference.
2. Local Chairs: Magdalena Stadin, HTO and Uppsala University, is managing local arrangements, from venue coordination to participant logistics.
3. Critique Track Chairs: Maria Normark and Jessica Lindblom, HTO and Uppsala University, are leading the critique track, providing a platform for critical discussions and feedback on research work.
4. Sponsor Chair: Rebecca Cort, HTO and Uppsala University, is responsible for securing sponsorships and fostering partnerships that enhance the conference experience.

Why Attend NordiCHI 2024?

1. Innovative Research: Discover the latest advancements and research findings in human-computer interaction.
2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading academics, industry professionals, and fellow researchers.
3. Inspiring Sessions: Participate in sessions that challenge current thinking and inspire new ideas.
4. Uppsala’s Charm: Experience the historical and cultural richness of Uppsala, a vibrant city known for its academic excellence and scenic beauty.

Join Us

We invite you to join us at NordiCHI 2024 in Uppsala. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a beginner and practitioner, or simply passionate about human-computer interaction, this conference offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers, and contribute to the future of HCI.

For more details about the conference, visit the NordiCHI 2024 website.

We look forward to seeing you in Uppsala!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming the workplace, influencing work environments, job roles, and overall productivity. As these technologies evolve, there’s a growing demand for knowledge and insights in these areas.

The HTO (Human-Technology-Organization) research group is frequently asked to provide seminars and lectures on these subjects. To address this demand, we’ve compiled a list of potential speakers and presentations, which you can find here. The presentations are in Swedish, but we can do seminars in English and Swedish.

The list of potential speakers includes Åsa Cajander, professor specializing in AI and work environments; Magdalena Ramstedt Stadin, postdoctoral researcher focused on digital work environments and technostress; Bengt Sandblad, professor emeritus with decades of experience in digitalization and automation of work; Anders Arweström Jansson, professor researching human decision-making with AI; Niklas Humble, postdoctoral researcher in AI and game-based learning; Maria Normark, associate professor studying the critical perspectives of technology use; and Jessica Lindblom, associate professor focusing on the impact of AI, automation, and robotics on digital work environments. For more details, visit our Google document.

In a world shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), understanding its impact on the workforce, particularly on early adopters in the Information Technology (IT) sector, has become crucial. A working group comprising experts from diverse international institutions with Niklas, Andreas and Åsa from the HTO group has embarked on a research study to explore this very subject. This blog post presents the goals, methodology, and expected outcomes of this working group initiative.

The working group, consisting of researchers from New Zealand, Sweden, Scotland, and beyond, aims to understand how AI technologies impact the work engagement of IT professionals and what this means for future computing students. We are working in a distributed team with the study during the spring, and then meet in Milan for the ITiCSE conference in July.

Goals of the Working Group

The primary objective of the working group is to explore the relationship between AI integration and work engagement among IT professionals. By analyzing how AI influences socio-technical dynamics and professional competencies, the group seeks to uncover the implications for both current professionals and computing students who are the future workforce. The research questions guiding this study include:

1. How does AI influence work engagement for IT professionals?
2. How does AI affect the socio-technical work dynamics for IT professionals?
3. What are the implications of integrating AI on the acquisition and enhancement of professional competencies and the learning processes of IT professionals?

Methodology

To achieve its goals, the working group employs a methodological framework. This involves analyzing a rich dataset of around 70 interview transcripts from IT professionals across various countries. The study combines a multi-vocal literature review and qualitative research methods, including thematic analysis.

The literature review spans work engagement, automation, and motivation within the IT sector, while the thematic analysis focuses on identifying emerging trends and challenges faced by IT professionals in the context of AI integration. The findings from this research will inform future curriculum design and assessment methods in computing education, ensuring they align with the evolving demands of the industry.

Expected Deliverables

The working group’s findings will offer a global perspective on the new competencies required by IT professionals in an AI-driven environment. The final report will provide empirical insights that can guide policy-making, curriculum development, and assessment strategies for AI-integrated educational programs. These insights are expected to be valuable for educational institutions, policy-makers, and industry stakeholders aiming to prepare the future workforce for the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.

Stay tuned for more updates as the working group progresses with this study, contributing knowledge to the field of computing education and professional development.

This past week, our HTO research group had the pleasure of having a Writing Retreat at Krusenberg Herrgård, an ideal setting to focus and foster our academic writing projects. Our group of fifteen members gathered with the goal of advancing our individual and collaborative research papers in a distraction-free environment.

Krusenberg Manor, with its peaceful surroundings and comfortable amenities, proved to be an excellent choice for our retreat. The calm atmosphere of the manor allowed us to concentrate fully on our work without the usual interruptions of a busy university setting.

The combination of lots of writing time, supportive group dynamics, and relaxing breaks made for a highly effective retreat. We all left with substantial progress on our academic work, refreshed and ready to continue our research with renewed vigor.

In the fast-paced world of technology and automation, keeping a close eye on how these advancements affect the workforce’s engagement and dynamics is essential. The “ARbetsengagemang vid autOmatisering, robotisering och AI” (AROA) project aims to illuminate this crucial aspect of our work. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the project’s first-year report and its progress.

AROA’s journey began with a literature review, where we scoured existing knowledge. This review aimed to identify critical knowledge gaps and relevant research to serve as the project’s foundation.

Collaboration is at the heart of AROA’s approach. In pursuit of comprehensive insights, they formed a reference group of stakeholders from various sectors. This diverse group of participants would be instrumental in shaping the project’s direction. AROA organised a dynamic full-day workshop to facilitate open dialogue and receive feedback.

Moreover, we did field studies to understand the real-world impact of automation and AI by conducting in-depth interviews and fieldwork within the agriculture and railway sectors. These empirical studies offered a closer look at how workers in these sectors were experiencing the transformative effects of technology firsthand.

In August 2023, AROA welcomed a doctoral student, strengthening their research capabilities. Additionally, the addition of Associate Professor Maria Normark brings even more depth to the project’s knowledge base.

These highlighted areas showcase AROA’s first-year progress. As the project evolves, it continues to illuminate the nature of work engagement in the automation, AI, and robotics age.

As the year ends and the holiday season is upon us, we want to take a moment to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It’s been an incredible journey for the HTO Research Group blog, and as we celebrate one year of sharing our research insights and findings with you, we’d like to reflect on the events and articles we’ve covered over the past year.

In the past year, we have published 40 blog posts covering various topics in human-computer interaction, technology, and work environment. We’ve shared our research findings, insights, and experiences with you, our readers.

Highlights from the Past Year

Vision Seminars: Pioneering User-Centric IT Design

Our commitment to user-centric IT design was highlighted in a blog post by Åsa Cajander. She discussed the long-standing tradition of conducting Vision Seminars within our research projects, showcasing how this innovative approach has shaped our engagement with technology and work systems design.

AI for Humanity and Society 2023 Conference

In November, our blog covered the annual conference on “AI for Humanity and Society 2023 and Human Values” held in Malmö. Andreas Bergqvist provided an insightful recap of the conference, which featured three keynotes and panels addressing critical issues surrounding AI’s impact on society. The discussions delved into criticality, norms, and interdisciplinarity.

AI4Research Fellowship 2024

A significant milestone was achieved when Åsa Cajander announced her participation in the AI4Research Fellowship. This five-year initiative at Uppsala University aims to advance AI and machine learning research, and we are honored to be part of it.

Exciting New EDU-AI Project

We also announced the commencement of a new research project, the EDU-AI project, which explores the transformative impact of generative AI technologies on education. Starting in April 2024, this project will address critical issues related to digital workplace health and usability in IT systems.

Exploring the Future of Healthcare: Insights from MIE’2023 and VITALIS 2023

Sofia shared insights from two significant healthcare conferences, MIE’2023 and VITALIS 2023. The blog post explored the advancements and challenges in healthcare, focusing on AI’s role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Empowering People with Anxiety: Biofeedback-based Connected Health Interventions

Sofia explored the growing issue of anxiety in today’s fast-paced world and introduced biofeedback-based connected health interventions as a potential solution. The blog post highlighted the significance of connected health approaches in addressing anxiety.

TikTok – What is the Problem?

Lars addressed the concerns surrounding the social media platform TikTok, particularly from a security perspective. He discussed the potential dangers and implications of TikTok’s usage, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution.

Writing Retreat with the HTO Group

Rebecca Cort shared the HTO research group’s tradition of hosting writing retreats and discussed the importance of creating dedicated time and space for focused writing. The blog post highlighted the group’s commitment to productive research.

Insightful Publications

Throughout the year, we shared several research papers and publications, each providing valuable insights into various aspects of technology and its impact on our lives. From the effects of AI on work engagement to the challenges faced by caregivers of cancer patients, our research has covered a wide range of topics.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the new year, we are excited about the continued growth of the HTO Research Group blog. We have more research findings, insights, and events to share with you, and we look forward to engaging with our readers in meaningful discussions.

We wish you a joyous holiday season, and may the new year bring you happiness and discoveries.

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year from the HTO Research Group!