title: A "desperation-reaction" model of medical diffusion.
abstract: Knowledge about the adoption and diffusion of innovations is briefly reviewed. A model is then proposed to explain how certain innovations, intended to address dire medical problems, might diffuse in a manner not previously reported, with extensive diffusion occurring during what would be a period of small-scale experimentation and limited adoption in the conventional innovation-diffusion environment. The model is illustrated with findings from a case study of the diffusion of drug therapies for four types of leukemia. Possible implications of "desperation-reaction" diffusion are suggested.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D003237:Connecticut; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000188:drug therapy; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy; D008511:Medicine; D008960:Models, Psychological; D013997:Time Factors