The diffusion of a pediatric care innovation in a large urban nonprofit health care system

Abstract

AbstractThis article documents and analyzes the diffusion of an innovation in pediatric primary care, the Healthy Steps for Young Children Program, in a large health care system, Advocate Health Care in Chicago. We use Everett Rogers's model (1995) for the diffusion of innovations to provide the framework for this discussion of the key decision points, challenges, obstacles, critical success factors, and other factors that have contributed to the ongoing expansion efforts in Advocate. In so doing we chronicle the progression of Healthy Steps from Advocate's initial decision to pilot the program at five pediatric sites to its decision to expand the approach broadly within the Advocate system. Rogers's model facilitates both description and the development of useful guides for future innovations within a broad range of nonprofit organizations.