How Canadian radiologists adopt innovations: a survey

Innovations and practice changes occur frequently in modern radiologic practice. In this study the authors sought to understand the process of adopting an innovation and to define the characteristics of some innovations and the effect of these characteristics on innovation adoption.

An anonymous mail survey of the membership of the Canadian Association of Radiologists was undertaken to obtain details about the process of adopting an innovation. Information on the perceived characteristics of the innovation was obtained, as well as the perception of change in practice.

The survey was sent to 1005 radiologists and was returned by 372 (37.0%), of whom 278 gave information on an innovation adopted in the preceding year. The respondents reported heavy use of textual and other material resources throughout the process of innovation adoption, as well as consultation with colleagues. Continuing medical education (CME) events, in comparison, were little used as information sources. Compatibility of the innovation with current practice and a relative clinical advantage over existing practices were the most important characteristics of the innovations adopted. The complexity, relative financial gain and ability to try the innovation were all less important.

This study confirms a high rate of change in radiologic practice and documents the number and variety of learning resources used in the adoption of change. It is important for CME providers and educators to recognize the relatively low use of CME events in the process of change. Characterization of the innovations indicates concern with the clinical impact of the change and the individual physician's ability to accomplish the change within his or her practice.