,Diffusion of Innovation in Health Care

Diffusion of Innovation in Health Care


 

Publication Date: May 2002

Publisher: California HealthCare Foundation

Author(s): Mary Cain; Robert Mittman

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Trying to change the pace at which new ideas about health care spread through the system is a priority of health care professionals. Such changes easily have major impacts on cost, quality, and patient satisfaction. This report describes the ten critical dynamics that govern how new medical and information technologies are diffused in the health care industry. It is a practical guide for changing the pace of adoption and includes examples and quick tips. The report presents the basics of innovation diffusion (the stages of adoption, including the typical "S" curve, and the types of individuals who adopt the innovation at different stages) and explores ten critical dynamics of innovation diffusion, including: relative advantage; trialability; observability; communications channels; homophilous groups; pace of innovation/reinvention; norms, roles, and social networks; opinion leaders; compatibility; and infrastructure.