A Sociological Process Model of Organ Transplantation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Machado des Johansson, Nora

Affiliations: Department of Sociology, University of Uppsala, P.O. Box 513, S-75120 Uppsala, Sweden

Abstract: The paper presents a methodology for modelling complex organizational processes, enabling one to specify and to examine the complex linkages between multiple social actors, different action settings, phases and types of activity, and social rules that structure and regulate the activities. The paper applies the methodology to organ transplantation in a modern high-tech medical system. It identifies several key social rules including medical norms and public laws that are applied in concrete decision and activity settings. Important details of the organ transplantation process are represented in a flowchart model, showing key actors, action settings, choices and operations in the process.

Keywords: Actors, Social rules, Decisions, Model, Flowchart, Constraints, Phases, Organ transplantation process, Medical

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-1992-11104

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 23-33, 1992