Adoption of Innovation: Exploring the Design and Implementation of a Cardiovascular Registry Project

Abstract

Advanced data technologies are permeating the healthcare environment, yet little is known about the role of learning in these change events. Literature on advances of data science for use in healthcare predominantly focuses on the computational and analytic methods, barriers and benefits, as well as the potential impact on the industry and professional roles. Few studies have explored health professionals’ experiences and perspectives on the integration of data science technologies in practice. In this qualitative, descriptive case study, I explored the experiences of 16 health professionals who had a role in a change event related to a cardiac registry project in western Canada. Study participants included project team members, clinicians, research collaborators, and academic and clinical institution staff and leaders. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the experiences of participants to better understand the conditions that shaped the change event, the learning strategies employed, and the factors that contributed to the successful adoption of innovation. Findings from the study revealed that people play a central role in the success of a change event and project implementation. While three additional themes emerged from the data, namely the environment, learning, and innovation, it was the individuals, teams, and relationships that function within those elements that were critical to the success of the registry project. The results of this work provided insight into the necessary conditions to support successful adoption of advanced data technologies and guided recommendations for future change events.