Systems and Diffusion of Innovation Theory
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Systems theory vs. diffusion of innovation theory
Systems theory is based upon the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Its founder Ludwig von Bertalanffy proposed that, based upon his experience with the biology of organisms, all systems are constantly changing because they are able to interact with their environments. Systems are open and thus can acquire "qualitatively new properties through emergence" (Clark 2011). Living beings of all kinds are capable of taking in and incorporating new elements while expelling the old. This is vitally important for healthcare organizations today to understand, given the need to respect the changing nature of patients and the fact that patient's health can be significantly improved or worsened, depending on the type of care the patients receive and do not receive. Healthcare organizations must be true 'learning organizations' as new patients must be treated; populations shift depending on changes in society; and some diseases are cured while other diseases become more prevalent.
On an organizational level, the entities that give care are also always in flux and need to create environments in which care is optimized. This is necessary given the changing needs of populations and the changes in healthcare technology. Just as cells and living organisms must remain responsive to stay alive and in a state of homeostasis, so must larger organizations. There is no 'end' to the search for ideal standard operating procedures. Systems theory also identifies the critical role that managers play in an organization, to create a cohesive policy. "System thinking is both part-to-whole and whole-to-part thinking about making connections between the various elements so that they fit together in a whole" (Clark 2011). Parts (such a sudden rise in obesity...
"Diffusion of innovation theory predicts that media as well as interpersonal contacts provide information and influence opinion and judgment" but these forms of diffusions take very specific forms (Diffusion of innovation theory, 2010, Utewente). "Five adopter categories are: (1) innovators, (2) early adopters, (3) early majority, (4) late majority, and (5) laggards" (Diffusion of innovation theory, 2010, Utewente). Innovation occurs slowly, and is led by early adopters, and gradually encompasses more people within its fold. For example, in the adoption of best practices by a healthcare organization, some hospitals will be ground-breaking in their adaption of new technology, while others will, for financial but also ideological reasons, lag behind. Similarly, amongst people, some will eagerly embrace new drugs, fitness trends and other health-related behaviors while others will resist.
In the history of nursing theory, systems theory has been extremely influential in the development of the idea of theorists such as Betty Neuman and Hildegard Peplau. Rather than focusing on the individual patient in isolation, nursing theorists increasingly see human beings as products of the environment. Health behaviors and health expectations will be influenced by culture and society, as well as an objective standard of 'wellness' created by the modern medical establishment. "Within the interpersonal paradigm, the focus on interpersonal process is described as the essence of nursing...Persons exist in the context of their interpersonal relationships with others Nurses and clients use the evolving therapeutic nurse-client relationship to…
