Diffusion of resilience as a concept and technology

Abstract

Background: Healthcare is faced with challenges that cannot be managed by only increasing resources. Instead this paper argues for the need to reorganize healthcare around the concept of resilience.

Objective: To analyze and discuss factors that influence the diffusion of both the concept of resilience and resilience technologies, such as simulation-based training in healthcare.

Methods, material and theory: The paper applies innovation system theory to analyze the potential diffusion of the concept and technology of Resilience. It assumes that it is not sufficient for a concept to be accepted unless there are real effective examples of technologies and organizations that increase resilience in practice. Illustrative examples from simulation-based training in healthcare are used.

Results: Based on the analysis of the Resilience concept and technology in terms of simulation-based training in healthcare critical factors for diffusion is identified. It is argued that strengthening the legitimacy of simulation will in turn strengthen the sub- processes: Influence on direction of search; Market formation and Resource mobilization that together supports sustained diffusion of simulation-based technology.

Discussion: By analyzing the concept of resilience and the related technology of simulation-based training using an innovation system approach, critical factors for resilience to become accepted as an organizational concept for healthcare can better be identified.

Conclusion: Innovation theory identifies the need to strengthen the legitimacy of simulation-based training to become more present in healthcare and in turn provide a tangible example of how healthcare resilience can be improved.