> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > June 2006 > Bookwatch

BookWatch

This book, commissioned by the UK Department of Health's Service Delivery and Organisation Program, describes a systematic review of the literature on the diffusion, spread and sustainability of innovations in both the organisation and delivery of health services. The systematic review was broad and thorough, covering research studies in the service sector and specifically the health care sector. In some instances, the scope was broadened to find more literature, or to include literature which was important methodologically, empirically or theoretically.

The authors give a thorough account of the methods used to search the literature and classify the studies found. The components of diffusion of innovations theory are fully covered in separate chapters; case studies are presented and there is a glossary of terms, which is very important in this particular field. Appendices address any possible queries about data, critical appraisal of studies, and the studies themselves.

The book draws together the studies on the components of the theory of the diffusion of innovations in a clear, scholarly manner. The research traditions which have addressed the issue of diffusion, dissemination or sustainability of innovations in health service delivery and organisation are discussed. The authors provide a conceptual model of diffusion in service organisations, which they have developed while undertaking the research.

The high praise of Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health in the United Kingdom, in summing up the book, is well worth quoting:

This book is a towering work of remarkable scholarship. It bathes in light what was previously a shadowland of opacity, misconception, theory-hopping and misplaced enthusiasm. P. ix

If you are interested in the diffusion of innovations in health service organisations, and have had difficulties making sense of the research done in this area, read this book.

The book can be obtained from:
Web: www.blackwellpublishing.com/booksellers/australia_newzealand.asp

Reference:
Greenhalgh, T., Robert, G., Bate, P., Macfarlane, F., and Kyriakidou, O. 2005. Diffusion of Innovations in Health Service Organisations: a systematic literature review. Blackwell Publishing Ltd and BMJ Books.