Dr Lynne Johnstone, lecturer in the School of Public Health at Charles Sturt University will share her expertise in this area with researchers in labour management at De Montford University in Leicester England, as a Visiting Research Fellow.

Dr Johnstone’s research examines the decision making process behind the introduction of new technology in hospitals, and its subsequent organisational impact – questioning the commonly held assumption that new technology will equate to a more efficient workplace. 

Particularly focussed on the impact of new technology in operating theatre services, Dr Johnstone has found that the adoption of new technology impacts on the role of staff and has flow on effects onto the cost of surgery. 

Dr Johnstone’s research is significant for operating room nurses who have been required to develop specialist, rather than general skills – leading to greater need for constant updating and skills development. In addition, there has been increased recognition of the role of operating room nurses as complementary to the surgeon – therefore requiring increased complex skill sets and knowledge. 

This has implications for hospital managers in regional areas, compared to metropolitan hospitals, as fewer operating room nurses will require constant updating of skills to be able to juggle the multi tasks expected of them in the operating theatre. 

Dr Johnstone will commence a six month position as Visiting Research Fellow at De Montford University at the invitation of Professor David Buchanan, Chair of Organisational Behaviour on 14 July. While in the UK, she will be part of a large research team looking at the management of large-scale change in health care facilities in the Midlands and London.

Dr Johnstone is available for media interviews about her research and upcoming research fellowship this week.