Whose kettle? : Exploring the role of objects in managing and mediating the boundaries of integration in health and social care

Purpose – This article aims to explore how objects function in integration efforts in health and social care contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on boundary object theory and empirical data collected from a range of health and social care integration initiatives in Wales to illustrate the value of the focus on objects and to identify the potential implications of this approach for studies in other national contexts. Findings – Attention to objects can shed light on the dynamics of integration, its potential and limits, offering insights that conventional analysis might otherwise miss. Research limitations/implications – The data drawn on in this paper are illustrative. Exploring the role of objects in integration requires more focused studies. Practical implications – The results suggest that integration designers and managers need to pay closer attention to the attachments that practitioners develop to objects. Originality/value – This is a highly original paper in view of its innovative use of boundary object theory in the context of integration, and its contribution to theory, research and practice.