title: Trialability, observability and risk reduction accelerating individual innovation adoption decisions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective analysis of computer simulation's role in accelerating individual innovation adoption decisions. The process innovation examined is Lean Systems Thinking, and the organizational context is the imaging department of an Australian public hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intrinsic case study methods including observation, interviews with radiology and emergency personnel about scheduling procedures, mapping patient appointment processes and document analysis were used over three years and then complemented with retrospective interviews with key hospital staff. The multiple data sources and methods were combined in a pragmatic and reflexive manner to explore an extreme case that provides potential to act as an instructive template for effective change.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Computer simulation of process change ideas offered by staff to improve patient-flow accelerated the adoption of the process changes, largely because animated computer simulation permitted experimentation (trialability), provided observable predictions of change results (observability) and minimized perceived risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The difficulty of making accurate comparisons between time periods in a health care setting is acknowledged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This work has implications for policy, practice and theory, particularly for inducing the rapid diffusion of process innovations to address challenges facing health service organizations and national health systems. Originality/value - The research demonstrates the value of animated computer simulation in presenting the need for change, identifying options, and predicting change outcomes and is the first work to indicate the importance of trialability, observability and risk reduction in individual adoption decisions in health services.
authors: Griffith University.
authors: Kathryn J
authors: KJ
authors: Hayes
authors: Kathy
authors: K
authors: Eljiz
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Dadich
authors: Janna-Anneke
authors: JA
authors: Fitzgerald
authors: Terry
authors: T
authors: Sloan
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003657:Decision Making; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D009517:New South Wales; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012308:Risk Management
keywords: Computer simulation; Health services; Hospital; Individual adoption decisions; Induced diffusion of innovation; Lean Systems Thinking