A Comparison of Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services and of Diffusion of Innovation for Evidence-Based Practice From Different Disciplines
Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) is a theory of how, why and at what rate new ideas and technology spread among individuals and organizations It was developed by Everett Rogers, an American communication scholar and is built on the basis of the concept of social networks and communication channels. DOI explains how an idea or product gains momentum and diffuses (or spreads) through a particular social system. The theory focuses on the social system of the adopters of the innovation and their ability to communicate with one another and the ability of the innovation itself to spread.
Five of the best examples of DOI can be found in the healthcare sector.
1. Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Electronic medical records are digital versions of patient health information. This allows healthcare providers to quickly access, store, and analyze patient information, which improves accuracy and efficiency in providing care. It also reduces paperwork and allows for better sharing of medical information between providers.
2. Telemedicine: Telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communication, such as the internet, to improve a patient’s health. It has been used for remote monitoring and diagnosis, as well as for providing educational resources to patients and healthcare providers.
3. Telehealth: Telehealth is the use of telecommunication and information technology to provide healthcare services from a distance. It can include virtual visits with a healthcare provider, remote diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring.
4. Wearable Technology: Wearable technology is any device, such as a watch, bracelet, or clothing, that can track and/or monitor a patient’s vital signs and health information. It is becoming increasingly more popular as it allows healthcare providers to more accurately monitor a patient’s condition, while giving the patient greater control over their own health.
5. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence is computer systems that can learn and adapt by analyzing large amounts of data. It has been used in the healthcare sector to improve medical image analysis, medical diagnostics, and radiotherapy. AI is quickly becoming an important tool for healthcare professionals as it allows for faster and more accurate analysis of patient data.
These five examples highlight how DOI is used in the healthcare sector to improve the quality of care and help healthcare providers become more efficient. By understanding and utilizing DOI, healthcare providers can more quickly adopt new technologies, improve patient outcomes, and provide better and more effective care.