The word ‘innovation’ refers to the invention, design and development of new or altered business models, systems, processes, organizational structures, products or services in order to create new value for consumers/customers, as well as increase returns on investment (ROI). Innovation can be disruptive (radical) or non-disruptive (evolutionary) depending on how it affects stakeholders (Pan Fagerlin & Wang., 2021). In the context of this study, health innovation denotes such concepts as new development in the healthcare sector that aids process improvement in health service delivery (Lilian., 2009). It entails improving access to essential health services and products (Olaleye et al., 2021). These comprehensive definitions are important because lack of consensus has impeded efforts made by scholars and stakeholders in the health system to integrate innovation to clinical practice. It is pertinent to add that the term ‘innovation’—due to lack of clarity and consistency—has been frequently misused to describe different developments within healthcare. Margot Fleuren, Karin Wiefferink and Theo Paulussen (2004) sought to address this misconception in their study titled “Determinants of Innovation in Healthcare Organizations.” According to the researchers, their main purpose was to help healthcare administrators gain insight into determinants (factors) that may impede or facilitate introduction of innovations (Lilian., op cit).
Margot et al (2014) defined innovation as ‘an idea, practice, or object’ that an individual or department of an organization perceive as new and unique. The scholars argued that innovation doesn’t always result in the desired changes due to constraints from insufficient financial sources to implement the innovation—not because health professionals do not accept the innovation. According to the scholars, identifying the determinants of a particular innovation and designing an appropriate and effective strategy ire the solutions for dwindling health systems. Further, they identified four main stages in innovation processes vis-a-vis: (a) dissemination (b) adoption (c) implementation and (d) continuation. Desired innovative changes in any organization can occur at any of the points.
Margot et al (2004) asserted that the Innovation process (i.e. transition from one stage to the other) can be disrupted by some factors (determinants), which are categorized into five sections:
- Characteristics of the socio-political context. This highlights the impact of rules and regulations, legislations, and the characteristics of patients.
- Characteristics of the particular organization. Here, the scholars referred to overall productivity level of workers and/or their level of involvement in the organizational decision-making process.
- Characteristics of the person adopting the innovations (i.e. user of the innovative idea, skills, process or object) and perceived support from colleagues.
- Characteristics of the innovation. This refers to the relative advantage of using innovations, as well as the complexity or simplicity.
Figure 1: Theoretical Concept of the Innovation Process and Categorized Determinants
Source: Adapted from Margot et al (2004)
As seen in Figure 1, the innovation user (i.e. the health professional) and the characteristics of innovation being applied play a very important role in the innovation process. But it must be noted that the intended user cannot work independently because he is an integral part of a complex system—the organization, which is also connected to a larger and more intricate environment. For these reasons, the characteristics of organizations (i.e. features of systems within an environment) and the socio-political context in which the organizations exist should not be ignored. In the Nigerian scenario, health sector administrators and policymakers have in recent decades ignored the role of innovation in management. Although the seeming failure can be attributed to some factors (such as corruption and continued resistance to change), strategic efforts are needed to revamp the declining state of Nigeria’s PHC system. Use of innovative health management strategies will not only improve the standard of health care in Nigeria. Its short and long-term impact on health indicators, life expectancy and the economy will be enormous.