Diffusion of Innovations

Diffusion of innovation is a theoretical framework explaining how new ideas or "innovations" are spread through specific communication mediums over time to communities, social systems, or cultures (Rogers & Scott, 1997). It also looks at how quickly the information can be adopted into a community, social system, or culture. There are several things to consider. First, if the information is relevant and advantageous to the targeted audience, the quicker it becomes adopted. Second, the more compatible the idea or message to the needs, values, and experiences of the target audience, the quicker the adoption. Third, the less complex an idea or message is, the easier it is to adopt in the community because it can be more easily understood. Fourth, if you test the message or idea, you can determine whether or not it fits into the target audience and is more likely to be clear in its communication. Fifth, the easier it is for the target audience to see the results of the message or idea, the easier it is to adopt it (Rogers & Scott, 1997). In a time of increasing technological advantage, you must understand the role that media and social media outlets play in the spread of innovative ideas and how you may utilize media and social media in your current and future public health campaigns.

For this Discussion, consider the principles of the diffusion of innovation model and which are most important for you to consider in the development of your public health campaign.

Reference:

Rogers, E. M., & Scott, K. L. (1997). The diffusion of innovations model and outreach from the national network of libraries of medicine to Native American communities. National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Retrieved fromhttp://nnlm.gov/pnr/eval/rogers.html

With these thoughts in mind:

Brief summary of the article you selected. Explain how the diffusion of innovation was used. Then explain one of the principles of the diffusion of innovation model that is most important for you to consider in the development of your public health campaign and explain why. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your points.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Discuss which principles of the diffusion of innovation are most important to consider as a public health leader and suggest how your colleagues can incorporate them into his or her public health campaign.

Required Resources

• Article: Chun, G.J., Sautter, J.M., Patterson, B.J., McGhan, W.F. (2016) Diffusion of Pharmacy-Based Influenza Vaccination Over Time in the United States. Am J Public Health. 106(6):1099-100. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303142. PMID: 27077353.

• Article: Olsson, A., Skovdahl, K., Engström, M. (2016) Using diffusion of innovation theory to describe perceptions of a passive positioning alarm among persons with mild dementia: a repeated interview study. BMC Geriatr. 16:3. doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0183-8. PMID: 26745961.

• Handout: Communication Plan Guidelines
• Handout: Final Project Guidelines.