1. ¹School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
2. ²Sunderland Business School, University of Sunderland, St Peters Campus, Sunderland, UK

Correspondence: DW Wainwright, School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne, Pandon Building, Camden St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1XE, UK. Tel: +44 191 2437634; Fax +44 191 2273662; Email: david.wainwright@unn.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper proposes an adapted diffusion of innovation (DOI) framework that may be considered relevant and useful to researchers undertaking studies of information systems innovations in healthcare organizations. A particular focus concerns problems and issues associated with professional cultures and powerful organizational control structures. A review of four empirical DOI studies are undertaken to identify candidate frameworks for the retrospective analysis of a pilot study conducted across General Medical Practices based within a Primary Care Trust in the north east of England. A research approach, based on phenomenology, semi-structured interviews and template analysis is adopted in order to conduct and provide a rich analysis of the data. The findings are discussed using the modified DOI framework. Discussion and conclusions relate to the extended use of the DOI framework, its further development and how it may be used to understand how ICT innovation is politically constrained, perceived and motivated within healthcare environments