Determinants of the adoption and diffusion of innovation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Consultants perceptions on the determinants of adoption and diffusion of innovation in cancer treatment
IRAS ID
193809
Contact name
Marisa Miraldo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London, Joint Research Compliance Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Diffusion of innovation in cancer treatment plays a key role in improving the survival rates and the quality of life of patients. The English NHS has experienced a slower diffusion of innovation than health systems in other countries. To speed up the diffusion of innovation the Department of Health instituted formal cancer networks covering all NHS Trusts in 2001 and NICE issued guidelines intended to increase adoption of innovative procedures with proven benefits.
We propose to explore the factors associated with the adoption of innovation of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer by interviewing consultants in English NHS Trusts. Our aim is to assess the determinants of decision making with regards to colorectal cancer surgery, with a focus on the adoption of laparoscopic surgery.We propose to interview senior clinicians given their key role in determining treatment. Focusing on decision makers' perceptions and cognitive processes during decision making the results from the qualitative analysis will help us unpack the complexity of this process and explore the influence of a range of individual, psychological, organizational and contextual factors underlying variations in the adoption of innovation.
We will further explore the role of (a) professional networks of consultants (b) the formal spatially based cancer networks of NHS Trusts as enablers for the adoption of innovation. We examine the former because of their importance in shaping individual and organizational behaviour. The long training period of consultants, the importance of the Royal Colleges and the dominance of the NHS as an employer means that professional networks are potentially very important in determining clinical practice in the NHS. We examine the latter as they are important policy instruments intended to increase collaboration between hospitals in cancer care.
REC name
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REC reference
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