Analysis of the adoption of new health technology: The case of Dupuytren's disease

Abstract

Health technology assessment focuses on clinical effectiveness and cost efficiency, but achieving these goals does not guarantee the adoption of a new technology if the incentives of individual decision makers (payers, patients, providers) are not aligned. This study creates a framework for the analysis of the adoption phase. The framework is tested in the case of a new, non-invasive treatment for Dupuytren's disease. The framework is developed based on existing operations management theories. The cost-benefit analysis in the case study utilises information on the Finnish healthcare system, detailed data on the process of the surgical and treatment for Dupuytren's from seven hospital districts and expert interviews on the non-surgical treatment process. The analysis suggests that the new technology will most likely be adopted, but it also shows that there are potential hindrances. The study shows that it is important to consider the incentives of individual operators within the healthcare system.