There is an increasing use of technology in healthcare and patient safety, though the implementation of such technology has had varied success. Healthcare operates in complex open systems and cultural, social and organisational contexts. Sociotechnical theory considers that people and technology are dynamically, reciprocally and recursively related and the relationships between human agency, the social and technology are considered as interdependent. The implementation, adoption and use of technology is therefore seen as a contextually situated social practice.

Patient Safety 101 – An introduction to sociotechnical theory: Implications for patient safety research
Speaker: Dr Mark Jeffries, Research Fellow at the University of Manchester and the NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC)

Date: 28 April 2026
Time: 12:30 – 2pm
Where: Online (Zoom)

This session will have interactive elements and opportunities for discussion. It will look to introduce and provide an understanding of sociotechnical theory. We will seek to understand how sociotechnical theory can be used to illuminate technological adoption in complex systems and the implications for patient safety. We will reflect upon how sociotechnical theory might be useful for patient safety research.

SafetyNet Patient Safety 101 sessions are intended for researchers who may not be experienced in patient safety and would like to know the basics on a range of Patient Safety topics or those who would like a refresher.

Meet the speaker

Dr Mark Jeffries
NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration
University of Manchester

Mark Jeffries is a Research Fellow at the University of Manchester based in the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry and NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC). He has extensive experience in understanding complex health systems utilising qualitative methodology from sociotechnical theoretical perspectives. Mark’s research has focused upon patient safety at different points in patient care journeys. He has a range of publications exploring the role of technology in the prescribing of medicines, medicines optimisation and how medication safety might be enhanced through technology by pharmacists, clinicians and non-medical prescribers.

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