Diffusion of Innovative Health Care Services in the United States

Abstract

A national sample of short-term hospitals is examined for differences in implementation of five innovative health programs. Findings are analyzed to differentiate the effects of selected demographic and organizational variables. Greater implementation is associated with large voluntary hospitals, hospitals located in metropolitan areas, and those located in the Northeastern states. Differential implementation patterns through time are shown to be well developed only for rehabilitation services. For all program areas, implementation rates approximate the normal diffusion curve.