Evidence use as sociomaterial practice? A qualitative study of decision-making on introducing service innovations in health care. Issue 7 (3rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turner, Simon; D´Lima, Danielle; Sheringham, Jessica; Swart, Nick; Hudson, Emma; Morris, Stephen; Fulop, Naomi J.
• Is Part Of: Public management review. Volume 24:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1075
• Page End: 1099
• Publication Date: 2022-07-03
• Subjects: Healthcare -- service innovation -- decision-making -- evidence -- sociomaterial -- power; Local government -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2021.1883098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-9037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A policy aspiration is that evidence should inform decision-making on introducing health service innovations. Internationally, innovation adoption has historically been slow and patchy. Three innovations in the English and Scottish National Health Service were analysed qualitatively: stroke service reconfiguration; revised national guidance on cancer referral; and 'virtual' glaucoma outpatient clinics. The authors identify three sociomaterial mechanisms through which evidence and context shape each other in decision-making: connecting, ordering, resisting. Shared preferences for research evidence enabled the medical profession to exert influence on decision-making, while other professions used alternative evidence. Implications for promoting inclusive public management around service innovations are discussed.