The strength of this book is that it combines the development of theory with the detailed analysis of richly-described case studies. The authors base much of the book around the work of Everett Hughes on moral ordersthat is, in relation to professional practice. The challenges of moral orders in a digitized health service can be understood only on a case by case basis using thick description and narrative analysis. It follows that what the reader will get from this book is an enriched understanding of the complexities of attempting to digitize professional practice.

Trish Greenhalgh, Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford

This book provides a rich set of insights and deep understanding of the complexities faced by those attempting to develop and implement national shared electronic health systems. As someone who has observed such attempts for over 20 years, the sagas recounted are both rich and full, and read to me much like a very familiar 'guide-book to the town of my birth'. The analysis of the progress and fate of the efforts in both Australia and the U.K. offers valuable insights as to what has made progress so difficult and explains why such national projects may not ever fully deliver what is expected, without clarity being developed as to just what the purpose of the project is and what can realistically be achieved.

Dr David G. More, MB PhD E-Health Analyst and Blogger

This important book explores the transition from paper-based to digital health with academic rigor, yet in an easy-to-read style. It describes today's complex and often painful path to computerization, and places the evolution in the broader context of the clinical, ethical, economic, and political forces that are challenging healthcare systems everywhere. Highly recommended!

Robert M. Wachter, MDChair, Department of Medicine, University of California