Diffusion Of Innovation Framework Research Articles

Lessons learned: Engaging culturally diverse families in neurodevelopmental disorders intervention research.

Low-income and ethnic minority families continue to face critical disparities in access to diagnostic and treatment services for neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Despite the growing cultural diversity of the United States, ethnic minority children and families continue to be substantially underrepresented across research on neurodevelopmental disorders, and there is a particularly concerning lack of research on the treatment of these conditions in low-income and ethnic minority communities. Of note, there are currently no published studies on adapting autism spectrum disorder treatment for low-income Latino communities and relatively few studies documenting adapted treatments for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in these communities. This article describes methodological considerations and adaptations made to research procedures using a Diffusion of Innovation framework in order to effectively recruit and engage low-income, ethnic minority, particularly Latino, families of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, in a comparative effectiveness trial of two school-based interventions for executive dysfunction.

Art of the possible or fool's errand? Diffusion of large-scale management innovation

Organizations are continually challenged to increase efficiency and improve performance despite frequent cuts to personnel and budgets. These challenges force organizations to identify, develop, and diffuse various management innovations. Diffusion efforts are often met by resistance, reluctance, or ambivalence, resulting in what many consider to be a fool's errand. While management innovation may not be the forte of large, bureaucratic organizations, we present a case study of a U.S. Air Force maintenance, repair, and overhaul organization that has recently, and successfully, diffused a large-scale management innovation. Results from the case study support the development of a diffusion of innovation framework that identifies important mechanisms associated with the acceptance, routinization, and assimilation of management innovation. The framework informs leaders of the diffusion process, while the recommended actions of relentless leadership, deliberate development of personnel, and enterprise involvement drive diffusion efforts and help leaders achieve desired results in innovation diffusion and associated performance improvement. Overall, we assert that the pursuit of management innovation is not necessarily beyond the art of the possible for business leaders.

An examination of US golfers' communication behaviours across consumer innovativeness

In the diffusion of innovation framework, this study identified three distinct segments of golf product consumers using a cluster analysis and explored potential differences between segments on communication behaviours related to innovativeness. Results indicate that the members of each cluster show varying degrees of innovativeness for new golf products. Each cluster also was further distinguished based upon communication behaviours.

IPads and Teacher Education: Exploring a 1:1 Initiative in a Professional Development School Partnership

This study explores the experiences of elementary education teacher candidates in a Professional Development School Partnership that included a 1:1 iPad initiative. The teacher candidates in the year-long cohort were each given their own iPad to use in their coursework and field experience. Observation, survey, and interview data were collected to explore how the teacher candidates integrated the iPad into their teaching and learning. Using Rogers's (2003) Diffusion of Innovation framework, it was found that teacher candidates experienced a developmental process in their use of the iPad that resulted in some candidates reinventing their teaching approach and others remaining stagnant in regard to technology integration.

Why we still don't eat insects: Assessing entomophagy promotion through a diffusion of innovations framework

A Diffusion of Innovations framework is used to review entomophagy, the human consumption of insects, and its promotion. Overemphasis on changing values and unrealistic goals of insects as alternative to meat hampered entomophagy's diffusion. Supply-side developments to fight passive rejection are essential before a majority of consumers will accept insects as food. Marketing insects appropriately or using them as livestock feed will also facilitate diffusion.

Comparison of synthetic substances: Diffusion of innovation framework

Comparison of synthetic substances: Diffusion of innovation framework

A Mixed-Methods Study of Research Dissemination Across Practice-Based Research Networks

Practice-based research networks may be expanding beyond research into rapid learning systems. This mixed-methods study uses Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality registry data to identify networks currently engaged in dissemination of research findings and to select a sample to participate in qualitative semistructured interviews. An adapted Diffusion of Innovations framework was used to organize concepts by characteristics of networks, dissemination activities, and mechanisms for rapid learning. Six regional networks provided detailed information about dissemination strategies, organizational context, role of practice-based research network, member involvement, and practice incentives. Strategies compatible with current practices and learning innovations that generate observable improvements may increase effectiveness of rapid learning approaches.

Assessment of School Wellness Policies Implementation by Benchmarking Against Diffusion of Innovation Framework

The School Wellness Policy (SWP) mandate marks one of the first innovative and extensive efforts of the US government to address the child obesity epidemic and the influence of the school environment on child health. However, no systematic review has been conducted to examine the implementation of the mandate. The study examines the literature on SWP implementation by using the Diffusion of Innovations Theory as a framework. Empirically based literature on SWP was systematically searched and analyzed. A theory-driven approach was used to categorize the articles by 4 diffusion stages: restructuring/redefining, clarifying, routinizing, and multiple stages. Twenty-one studies were identified, and 3 key characteristics of the reviewed literature were captured: (1) uniformity in methodology, (2) role of context in analyzing policy implementation, and (3) lack of information related to policy clarification. Over half of the studies were published by duplicate set of authors, and only 1 study employed a pure qualitative methodology. Only 2 articles include an explicit theoretical framework to study theory-driven constructs related to SWP implementation. Policy implementation research can inform the policy process. Therefore, it is essential that policy implementation is measured accurately. Failing to clearly define implementation constructs may result in misguided conclusion.

Factors Influencing Critical Care Nurses' Adoption of the AACN Practice Alert on Verification of Feeding Tube Placement

Clinical practice guidelines are intended to bridge the research-practice gap, yet little is known about how critical care nurses adopt guidelines. Feeding tube verification practices remain variable and have led to patient harm and death. To examine factors influencing critical care nurses' adoption of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) practice alert on verification of feeding tube placement and its 4 recommended clinical practices. Critical care nurses were invited to participate in a national, online questionnaire, guided by Rogers' diffusion of innovation framework. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Fifty-five percent of the 370 participating nurses were aware of the practice alert, and 45% had adopted it in practice. Only 29% of the adopters had also implemented all 4 clinical practices. Significant predictors of adoption included BSN or higher nursing education and guideline characteristics of observability and trialability. Predictors of implementation of the clinical practices included staff nurse/charge nurse role, academic medical center, research/web-based information sources, and perception of a policy. Policy was the only significant predictor of implementation of all 4 practices. Adoption of the practice alert was also a predictor for 2 of 4 clinical practices. Personal and organizational factors influenced implementation of practices associated with an AACN practice alert. Although a research-practice gap exists, the practice alert was a significant source of information for 2 of the clinical practices.

English

Introduction Systematic reviews, the foundation of much Evidence-Based medicine, are suffering from increasing ‘data deluge’: reviewers often need to manually assess many thousands of titles and abstracts to determine their relevance. Automation has been advanced as a potential solution; but given that its efficacy was first demonstrated in 2006, why is it not yet widely used? The Diffusion of Innovations framework by EM Rogers is used to structure an exploration of why this might be the case. Discussion According to Rogers, five characteristics affect the rate of adoption of innovations: those perceived as having greater relative advantage, compatibility, trialability and observability, and less complexity, will be adopted more rapidly than others. The relative advantage of automation has been demonstrated empirically, though usually in narrowly focused reviews in clinical areas, rather than more challenging areas for automation, such as public health. Detailed methods and procedures for their use have yet to be established, addressing transparency, replicability and reporting practices. While issues concerning the compatibility of new technology with existing infrastructure are probably surmountable, the use of automation may challenge contemporary notions of what constitutes a systematic search and how publication bias is addressed using sensitive search techniques. The remaining factors are interrelated. The technologies are complex, both to understand and to deploy. This affects the trialability of automation: technical expertise is required and there are thus few opportunities for reviewers to observe others using these technologies. Conclusion Further technical and empirical work is needed where systematic reviewers work with information and computer scientists to develop solutions which have a demonstrative relative advantage and which are clearly compatible with the needs of systematic reviewers and their users. Such work may have a significant role to play in addressing the deluge of new research publications which threaten to overwhelm systematic review processes.

Adoption of Organophosphate Alternatives in Washington Apple IPM Programs: Survey Evidence From Pest Management Consultants and Growers

Azinphos-methyl (AZM) has been the primary insecticide used to fight codling moth ( Cydia pomonella L.) in apple production in the United States since the late 1960s. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency decided to phase out AZM over a 6-year period. This regulatory action sparked educational efforts at Washington State University to promote organophosphate (OP) alternatives within apple integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Drawing on the diffusion of innovations framework and surveys of Washington State pest management consultants and apple growers, we explore trends in the recommendation and use of OP insecticides, OP alternatives, and IPM practices for codling moth management. The transition prompted by the AZM phaseout consisted of a switch from OP insecticides to OP alternatives within existing IPM programs without major change in the use of IPM practices themselves. We also discuss the importance of innovation-decision type (authority vs. optional), perceived innovation characteristics, communication channels, and change agents' promotion efforts in the adoption and diffusion of OP alternatives within apple IPM programs. This case study illustrates how multiple drivers (regulatory, technological, and educational) can lead to widespread industry change and how educational outreach programs seeking to influence adoption behavior can benefit from an understanding of preferred communication channels and perceptions of innovation attributes.

Advanced Practice Nurse Psychiatric Bridging Intervention

Depression is a prevalent and treatable condition; however, extensive waiting periods for treatment are associated with high failure to attend initial psychiatric evaluation (IPE) appointments. This article describes the development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Psychiatric Bridging Intervention. The project was grounded in Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations and designed to provide supportive psychoeducational counseling and initiation of psychotropic medication for clients with depressive symptoms during the time between intake and IPE. Project development was guided by Roger's Diffusion of Innovations framework used for adopting an evidence-based innovation into an organization. A two-group design allowed comparison of preintervention clients (38 clients who received standard care) and intervention clients (19 clients who participated in the bridging intervention). The difference in IPE appointment attendance rates between the two groups approached statistical significance (p = 0.08). An unanticipated finding was that APN Psychiatric Bridging Intervention clients required only 30-minute IPE appointments compared to the typical 60-minute appointment.

Perceptions of the characteristics of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth by child care providers may influence early adoption of nutrition guidelines in child care centres

In 2008, the Alberta government released the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) as a resource for child care facilities to translate nutrition recommendations into practical food choices. Using a multiple case study method, early adoption of the guidelines was examined in two child care centres in Alberta, Canada. Key constructs from the Diffusion of Innovations framework were used to develop an interview protocol based on the perceived characteristics of the guidelines (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) by child care providers. Analysis of the ANGCY was conducted by a trained qualitative researcher and validated by an external qualitative researcher. This entailed reviewing guideline content, layout, organisation, presentation, format, comprehensiveness and dissemination to understand whether characteristics of the guidelines affect the adoption process. Data were collected through direct observation, key informant interviews and documentation of field notes. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Overall, the guidelines were perceived positively by child care providers. Child care providers found the guidelines to have a high relative advantage, be compatible with current practice, have a low level of complexity, easy to try and easy to observe changes. It is valuable to understand how child care providers perceive characteristics of guidelines as this is the first step in identifying the needs of child care providers with respect to early adoption and identifying potential educational strategies important for dissemination.

Exploring the potential of electronic commerce tools in South African SME tourism service providers

The World Wide Web, together with other ICT enabling technologies, offers a platform for organizations to arrange their business processes, address their marketplaces, and partner with other enterprises. This paper reports on the diffusion and adoption of electronic commerce tools by small and medium enterprise (SME) tourism service providers in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. In order to achieve the stated aim, the following research questions were addressed: What types of e-commerce tools have been adopted in the SMEs? What were the reasons for the adoption of e-commerce? What benefits do e-commerce tools provide to SMEs? What are the barriers that SMEs face with the adoption of e-commerce? What are the e-commerce training needs of SMEs service providers? Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations framework was found to be useful as the study sought to examine the diffusion and use of modern ICTs by SME tourism service providers. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design in which a systematic sampling technique is used. The data was analysed by using descriptive statistics. The results demonstrated that a variety of e-commerce tools have been adopted in the SMEs studied. E-commerce tools are also very effective in reaching new customers, increasing sales and improving marketing. It is therefore important that SMEs have access to relevant e-commerce tools in order to enjoy and reap the benefits of ICTs. SMEs should ensure that they offer their staff adequate varieties and levels of ICT competence.

Communication is key: the role of communication in the diffusion of a learning management system into a higher education environment

This paper uses Rogers' diffusion of innovations framework to discuss a communications strategy by which agents of change can educate their peers and decision makers regarding a chosen technology. The strategy examines the role of communications in the knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation stages of the innovation-decision process. Problems include overstating communication, negative evaluations, and ignoring your audience in your communication with stakeholders. The recommended practices are embracing supportive communication through dedicated employees, a transparent organisational and policy structure, and the increase of resources to the project. It then concludes by proposing a strategy for successful communication during the diffusion process.

From Paper to Practice: Barriers to Adopting Nutrition Guidelines in Schools

ObjectiveTo explore the barriers associated with the adoption of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth in schools according to characteristics of the innovation (guidelines) and the organization (schools). DesignCross-sectional telephone survey. Setting and ParticipantsSchools in Alberta, Canada. Principals from 357 schools. Main Outcome MeasureBarriers to adopting the nutrition guidelines. AnalysisA 19-question telephone survey, including open- and closed-ended questions, was used to obtain information regarding schools’ characteristics and barriers to adopting the guidelines. Qualitative data were coded according to common themes a priori, based on constructs from the Diffusion of Innovations framework. ResultsSchools reported many barriers related to the relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity of adopting the guidelines. Parents' resistance to change and cost were the key reported barriers. Lack of knowledge, student preferences, the physical location of the school, and barriers related to the provision of healthful food were also reported. Conclusions and ImplicationsDisseminating guidelines without providing adequate support for their implementation may not promote change within the school setting. School nutrition initiatives need to involve the parents and have access to sufficient financial and human resource support.

Technology Adoption in Small Family-Owned Businesses: Accessibility, Perceived Advantage, and Information Technology Literacy

The purpose of the study was to examine the antecedents and impacts of information technology (IT) adoption by small family-owned businesses, using data from the National Family Business Survey. This research tested a model based on the Diffusion of Innovations framework and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Family business managers’ prior knowledge and level of IT use, business location, and community size/type were important antecedents to the decision to adopt IT. Ease of use and decision to adopt IT accounted for over 60% of the variance in usefulness of IT and implementation of internet and IT capabilities. The implementation of IT capabilities accounted for nearly 40% of the variance in actual use of IT and perceived impact of the internet.

The Connected Learning Model for disseminating evidence-based care practices in clinical settings

Clinical practice guidelines have been developed to improve patient care and outcomes. Guideline implementation is often stymied by the complexity of patients' conditions, complex care environments, and limited advanced clinical training of nursing staff. To translate key elements of heart failure guidelines into practice in a nursing home, the Connected Learning Model was developed based on the diffusion of innovations framework. An advanced practice nurse in geriatrics fostered greater interaction and collaboration among key administrative, medical, and nursing staff to promote awareness of heart failure guidelines and to translate key practices from those guidelines into the nursing home setting. Direct care staff skills for early recognition and reporting of signs and symptoms of acute heart failure were enhanced through a learner-centered educational program which included classroom and unit-based instruction and bedside clinical teaching. The Connected Learning Model is a promising method to mobilize advanced nursing expertise to bridge research/practice gaps through implementation of clinical practice guidelines that are systematically adapted to accommodate diverse health care contexts.

Applying service niche indicators to London's energy system

PurposeThe use of cross‐cutting urban services (e.g. energy or water) has been proposed as a way of improving the performance of urban sustainability indicators. The purpose of this paper is to consider how this service niche approach might be applied to London's energy system.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews with stakeholders from London's energy policy community are presented. A diffusion of innovation framework is then used to assess how the service niche approach fits with existing practice and consequently whether it is likely to be adopted in practice.FindingsThe service niche approach resonates with current indicator practice but it cannot overcome barriers such as a lack of political will or resources alone. While the method is therefore unlikely to be adopted as a wholesale replacement for existing strategies, it could be beneficial for complementary assessments.Research limitations/implicationsA limited sample of six interviewees is presented but, by examining other service niches and performing a comparative analysis, the paper's conclusions could be extended.Practical implicationsTo leverage the full potential of the technique, two expansion strategies are proposed: replication (creating multiple service niche assessments in complementary urban systems) and extrapolation (extending the niche activities of a local policy maker to regional or national level). Experts could play a central role in coordinating these efforts, collecting relevant data and analysing the aggregate results with policy makers.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new practical analysis of the service niche approach that should be of interest to both urban managers and urban sustainability researchers.

School Climate and Teachers’ Beliefs and Attitudes Associated with Implementation of the Positive Action Program: A Diffusion of Innovations Model

Teacher- and school-level factors influence the fidelity of implementation of school-based prevention and social character and development (SACD) programs. Using a diffusion of innovations framework, the relationships among teacher beliefs and attitudes towards a prevention/SACD program and the influence of a school's administrative support and perceptions of school connectedness, characteristics of a school's climate, were specified in two cross-sectional mediation models of program implementation. Implementation was defined as the amount of the programs' curriculum delivered (e.g., lessons taught), and use of program-specific materials in the classroom (e.g., ICU boxes and notes) and in relation to school-wide activities (e.g., participation in assemblies). Teachers from 10 elementary schools completed year-end process evaluation reports for year 2 (N = 171) and 3 (N = 191) of a multi-year trial. Classroom and school-wide material usage were each favorably associated with the amount of the curriculum delivered, which were associated with teachers' attitudes toward the program which, in turn, were related to teachers' beliefs about SACD. These, in turn, were associated with teachers' perceptions of school climate. Perceptions of school climate were indirectly related to classroom material usage and both indirectly and directly related to the use of school-wide activities. Program developers need to consider the importance of a supportive environment on program implementation and attempt to incorporate models of successful school leadership and collaboration among teachers that foster a climate promoting cohesiveness, shared visions, and support.