A theoretical framework to support research of health service innovation

Abstract

Objective Health service managers and policy makers are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of innovations implemented in health care settings. The increasing demand on health services requires that innovations are both effective and sustainable; however, research in this field is limited, with multiple disciplines, approaches and paradigms influencing the field. These variations prevent a cohesive approach, and therefore the accumulation of research findings, in the development of a body of knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough examination of the research findings and provide an appropriate theoretical framework to examine sustainability of health service innovation. Methods This paper presents an integrative review of the literature available in relation to sustainability of health service innovation and provides the development of a theoretical framework based on integration and synthesis of the literature. Results A theoretical framework serves to guide research, determine variables, influence data analysis and is central to the quest for ongoing knowledge development. This research outlines the sustainability of innovation framework; a theoretical framework suitable for examining the sustainability of health service innovation. Conclusion If left unaddressed, health services research will continue in an ad hoc manner, preventing full utilisation of outcomes, recommendations and knowledge for effective provision of health services. The sustainability of innovation theoretical framework provides an operational basis upon which reliable future research can be conducted. What is known about the topic? Providers of health services are rapidly implementing innovations in an effort to provide effective health care. Little research has been conducted to evaluate the sustainability of these health service innovations. What does this paper add? This paper aims presents an integration and synthesis of the current body of knowledge to provide a theoretical framework to evaluate the sustainability of health service innovation. What are the implications for the practitioner? An improved body of knowledge surrounding the sustainability of health service innovations generated from research will consequently result in more appropriate use of resources and improved provision of health services.