Algorithmic Assemblages of care
Associate Professor Nete Schwennesen recently contributed to the journal 'Sociology of Health & Illness' with the publication ‘Algorithmic assemblages of care: Imaginaries, epistemologies and repair work’ .
The paper argues that we have to move our analytical focus towards ‘algorithmic assemblages’, if we are to understand how advanced algorithms will affect health care. Departing from this figure, the paper explores how an algorithmic system, designed to ‘take on’ the role of a physiotherapist in physical rehabilitation programmes in Denmark, was designed and made to work in practice.
On the basis of ethnographic fieldwork, it is demonstrated that the algorithmic system is a fragile accomplishment and outcome of negotiations between the imaginaries embedded in its design and the ongoing adjustments of IT workers, patients and professionals.