This thesis explores the data work of medical secretaries in Danish hospitals, focusing on their critical role in maintaining high-quality clinical-administrative data within a healthcare system increasingly driven by technology. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, the study examines the evolving profession of medical secretaries, a group often overshadowed by more prominent clinical roles. Since their emergence in hospitals, medical secretaries have adapted to ongoing technological changes, such as the introduction of electronic health records (EHR), while continuing to perform essential data work.

The research highlights the importance of repair work—correcting errors and ensuring data accuracy amidst constant technological shifts. This work not only involves technical skill but also a deep, context-specific knowledge of healthcare practices. The thesis sheds light on the vital yet often invisible contributions of medical secretaries to the smooth operation of healthcare systems. The study argues that the data work of medical secretaries is indispensable for maintaining data integrity and advocates for greater recognition of their contributions in the design of future healthcare policies and systems.

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