Bourke, Jane, Dr. (2011) Adoption of innovations in Irish general practices : prescription drugs, medical equipment and ICT. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

In this thesis we explore innovation in general practices in Ireland. Drawing on an
encompassing equilibrium, disequilibrium and learning-by-using model of adoption,
we examine the influences of general practitioner (GP) and practice characteristics,
strategic behaviour, learning and knowledge spillovers, and cumulative learning
from previous adoption decisions on the perceived benefits of adopting and using
innovations in general practices. Ours is the first application of this theoretical
framework to timing of adoption, multiple technology adoption and intensity of
adoption decision-making in a health care setting. Our examination focuses on three
innovations, prescription drugs, medical equipment and Information and
Communications Technology (ICT).
Our analysis is based on two data sources, a secondary dataset which brings together
GPs prescribing history over a 4½ year time period with information on the
characteristics of the 625 GPs themselves, and a cross-sectional primary dataset
which provides us with information for 601 general practices concerning practice
structure and use of medical equipment and ICT. Employing duration analysis,
multivariate Probit and ordered Probit econometric techniques, we examine the
adoption, use and intensity of use of prescription drugs, medical equipment and ICT
respectively.
Irish GPs exhibit notable innovative behaviour with respect to prescribing innovation
and practice development. Our research demonstrates that Irish GPs respond to
informational stimuli with respect to adoption and use of new prescription drugs,
medical equipment and ICT. Furthermore, Irish GPs are incentivised by commercial
and market considerations. In addition, we find the extent which a practice adopts
technologies and learns from that experience influences both ensuing prescribing and
investment decision-making. Our empirical findings support an economic approach
to examining decision-making in a health care setting and the application of our
encompassing theoretical model to examinations of adoption and use of innovations
by health care professionals.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Family medicine -- Ireland, Medical innovations -- Ireland, Drugs -- Prescribing -- Ireland, Medical instruments and apparatus -- Ireland, Medical technology -- Ireland
Official Date:	June 2011
Dates:	Date Event June 2011 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Roper, Stephen
Sponsors:	University College, Cork. Dept. of Economics
Extent:	xi, 288 leaves : ill., charts
Language:	eng

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