Exploring the acceptability of Frugal innovation at the individual level within the NHS
File(s)
Author(s)
Hindocha, Chandni
Type
Thesis or dissertation
Abstract
Background
Frugal innovation (FI) aims to create cost-effective solutions for resource-constrained consumers. FIs could give significant possibilities for cost reduction, sustainability, and accessibility, particularly in advanced healthcare systems such as the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), which are suffering rising expenditures. However, there are impediments to their acceptability, such as implicit negative perceptions towards the term frugality and toward innovations conceived in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and challenges to the acceptance of FI at the individual level within the NHS.
Methods
This study used a qualitative factorial design with 60 participants (30 patient representatives and 30 NHS staff), separated into four groups based on exposure to two cues: country of origin (COO) and frugality. Three FIs, varying in invasiveness and risk, were used as examples and participants' attitudes were evaluated using Social Cognitive Theory to identify factors influencing the acceptability of FI. Sentiment analysis was used to provide quantitative rigour to responses.
Results
The findings revealed significant trends: the term 'frugality' generally worsened people's perceptions of FIs, but the term 'innovation' improved them. COO had a significant impact whilst at times
facilitated primary perceptions of FI and was frequently criticised. Patient representatives in Group A (received both cues) were more critical of the FIs than Group D (received no cues). Furthermore, differences were noted between the responses of patient representatives and NHS staff, with the former generally more openly critical and expressive.
Discussion
It appears that COO and frugality are important elements in comprehending and increasing acceptance of FI. The findings emphasise the importance of such innovations when presenting them
to organisations and populations in a high-income country. We recommend future exploration of a system-wide perspective of FI in healthcare and awareness and training in NHS practices towards FI.
Frugal innovation (FI) aims to create cost-effective solutions for resource-constrained consumers. FIs could give significant possibilities for cost reduction, sustainability, and accessibility, particularly in advanced healthcare systems such as the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), which are suffering rising expenditures. However, there are impediments to their acceptability, such as implicit negative perceptions towards the term frugality and toward innovations conceived in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and challenges to the acceptance of FI at the individual level within the NHS.
Methods
This study used a qualitative factorial design with 60 participants (30 patient representatives and 30 NHS staff), separated into four groups based on exposure to two cues: country of origin (COO) and frugality. Three FIs, varying in invasiveness and risk, were used as examples and participants' attitudes were evaluated using Social Cognitive Theory to identify factors influencing the acceptability of FI. Sentiment analysis was used to provide quantitative rigour to responses.
Results
The findings revealed significant trends: the term 'frugality' generally worsened people's perceptions of FIs, but the term 'innovation' improved them. COO had a significant impact whilst at times
facilitated primary perceptions of FI and was frequently criticised. Patient representatives in Group A (received both cues) were more critical of the FIs than Group D (received no cues). Furthermore, differences were noted between the responses of patient representatives and NHS staff, with the former generally more openly critical and expressive.
Discussion
It appears that COO and frugality are important elements in comprehending and increasing acceptance of FI. The findings emphasise the importance of such innovations when presenting them
to organisations and populations in a high-income country. We recommend future exploration of a system-wide perspective of FI in healthcare and awareness and training in NHS practices towards FI.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-07-14
Date Awarded
2024-08-01
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Harris, Matthew
Antonacci, Grazia
Barlow, James
Sponsor
National Institute for Health Research (Great Britain)
Publisher Department
School of Public Health
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)