Exploring the diffusion of patient innovations

: a multiple-case study

Abstract

A significant number of patients develop medical devices, treatments, or therapies for personal use. However, most of these patient innovations do not diffuse because the developers do not share them. This problem is known as a form of market failure and requires policy intervention. Yet, little is known about why and when patient innovators decide to diffuse their solutions. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential to address the problem of market failure. Hence, this study aims to learn from cases of diffused solutions to derive propositions and practical recommendations about how to increase diffusion rates. Nine cases of diffused innovations have been collected. Information was gathered through semi-structured interviews and through additional information from online resources. The results suggest that the diffusion decision is preceded by an awareness of the solution’s value to other patients. The subsequent diffusion is motivated by the variable of life enrichment: being aware of the solution’s value to other patients, innovators find an opportunity to pursue a meaningful purpose or engage in a fulfilling task. Eventually, the diffusion is moderated by the access to complementary assets. Addressing the identified dimensions, digital health platforms, governments and medical professionals can contribute to an environment, which makes innovators become aware of their solutions’ value and supports them in solution sharing.

Date of Award	19 Oct 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Cláudia Isabel de Sousa Costa (Supervisor) & Leid Zejnilovic (Co-Supervisor)