oa Actor Netwerk Theorie: een filosofie én een methode toegepast in onderzoek over best practices in de langdurige zorg

Actor Network Theory: philosophy and research method applied in research about best practices in long-term care

This article describes the methodological consequences of using Actor Network Theory in the authors’ research which aimed to study the acting of best practices in long-term care practices. Doing ANT analysis requires the understanding of ANT key concepts which draw on an alternative ontology about reality and sociological acting. The unit of analysis of ANT focuses upon interactions between actors (human and non-human). The analysis traces and reconstructs interaction processes. ANT requires in-depth research which can be achieved by document analysis, interviews and observations. In addition it is recommended by the authors to investigate time in getting to know the everyday practices, habits and frequently used devices at the research site.