Study protocol: DEcisions in health Care to Introduce or Diffuse innovations using Evidence (DECIDE)

Area of Science:

• Healthcare innovation diffusion
• Evidence-based practice in healthcare
• Health services research

Background:

• Healthcare decisions rely on varied evidence, from research to tacit knowledge.
• Organizational and cultural factors often hinder evidence translation into practice.
• The UK National Health Service (NHS) faces challenges in adopting innovations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how evidence interacts with micro (individual) and meso (organizational) levels to influence healthcare innovation decisions.
• To understand the barriers and facilitators to evidence use in acute and primary care settings.
• To quantify decision-makers' preferences for evidence in innovation adoption.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Rapid evidence synthesis with stakeholder feedback.
• In-depth case studies of real-world decision-making.
• National survey and discrete choice experiment.
• Development of practical guidance for decision-makers.

Main Results:

• The study will elucidate how diverse evidence types inform healthcare innovation decisions.
• It will identify specific barriers hindering evidence implementation.
• It will quantify the 'tipping point' of evidence required to influence decision-makers.
• Insights into the interplay between evidence availability and decision-making processes at multiple levels.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced understanding of decision-makers' use of varied evidence in healthcare.
• Identification of factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of healthcare innovations.
• Practical guidance to support evidence-informed decision-making and innovation implementation within the NHS.