Lisa-Marie Larisch, Isis Amer-Wåhlin and Patrik Hidefjäll
There is an increasing interest in understanding how innovation processes can address current challenges in healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the wider…
Abstract
Purpose
There is an increasing interest in understanding how innovation processes can address current challenges in healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the wider socio-economic context and conditions for such innovation processes in the Stockholm region, using the functional dynamics approach to innovation systems (ISs).
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on triangulation using data from 16 in-depth interviews, two workshops, and additional documents. Using the functional dynamics approach, critical structural and functional components of the healthcare IS were analyzed.
Findings
The analysis revealed several mechanisms blocking innovation processes such as fragmentation, lack of clear leadership, as well as insufficient involvement of patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, innovation is expected to occur linearly as a result of research. Restrictive rules for collaboration with industry, reimbursement, and procurement mechanisms limit entrepreneurial experimentation, commercialization, and spread of innovations.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, the authors analyzed how certain functions of the functional dynamics approach to ISs related to each other. The authors grouped knowledge creation, resource mobilization, and legitimacy as they jointly constitute conditions for needs articulation and entrepreneurial experimentation. The economic effects of entrepreneurial experimentation and needs articulation are mainly determined by the stage of market formation and existence of positive externalities.
Social implications
Stronger user involvement; a joint innovation strategy for healthcare, academia, and industry; and institutional reform are necessary to remove blocking mechanisms that today prevent innovation from occurring.
Originality/value
This study is the first to provide an analysis of the system of innovation in healthcare using a functional dynamics approach, which has evolved as a tool for public policy making. A better understanding of ISs in general, and in healthcare in particular, may provide the basis for designing and evaluating innovation policy.
Details
Keywords
Petra Apell and Patrik Hidefjäll
Quantifying the performance level of surgeons with digital virtual reality (VR) simulators can help ensure that quality requirements in healthcare are met. In order to better…
Abstract
Purpose
Quantifying the performance level of surgeons with digital virtual reality (VR) simulators can help ensure that quality requirements in healthcare are met. In order to better understand integration amongst quality principles, practices and technologies in the adoption and diffusion of VR simulators, the authors applied a technological innovation system (TIS) framework. The purpose of this study is to understand how the adoption and diffusion of VR surgical simulators in a Swedish healthcare context is influenced by various system factors.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, single-case holistic design based on innovation system theory was used to analyse the adoption of digital quality technologies related to surgical performance in Swedish hospitals. The case employs a mixed methods approach triangulating data longitudinally from published documents and expert interviews.
Findings
Adoption of digital technologies regarding surgical performance is restricted by system factors relating to inconsistent normative and regulatory requirements for quantified performance criteria to judge surgical expertise. Addressing these systems' weaknesses with evidence-based training programmes can have a significant impact on the further development of the innovation system and can ultimately affect healthcare reliability and quality.
Originality/value
This paper explores quality management (QM) challenges in the context of digital transformation in healthcare. The paper attempts to fill the gap for TIS studies in a healthcare context and highlight the role of innovation function strength along the value chain and in relation to technology cycles to increase the understanding of adoption of digital technologies relating to surgical performance.