Following the (e-)Medication List From Pre-Admission to After Discharge at Norwegian Hospitals: An Actor–Network Analysis

This study explores the medication list as a complex and multiple object in transitions of care between primary healthcare and hospitals in Norway. Medication lists exist in various forms-digital and physical-across institutions and systems, serving diverse purposes yet often failing to align. These discrepancies contribute to medication errors, particularly during hospital admission and discharge, recognized as high-risk points in patient care. Utilizing a rapid ethnographic approach, the research involved 130 hours of participatory observations and semistructured interviews with 32 healthcare professionals across various settings. Guided by a sociological lens and informed by actor-network theory, this article tells a story about interactions, practices, and relations surrounding medication lists. The findings highlight the challenges of achieving a single, definitive medication list and advocate for a coordinated model that acknowledges the complexities and variabilities inherent in medication management. This research underscores the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of medication lists and their role as both intermediaries and mediators in Norwegian healthcare.