Barriers to Workforce-Driven Innovation in Healthcare

Abstract

Healthcare systems are continually developing new ways of delivering care in pursuit of quality improvement, increasing patient and provider satisfaction, and enhancing efficiency. This review measures the barriers to workforce-driven innovation in healthcare, a crucial yet underexamined area of study. Research into workforce-driven innovation in healthcare identifies several key barriers and solutions. Major impediments include a lack of knowledge and resources, as well as financial constraints, which hinder the implementation of innovations. Research findings from different regions enumerate organizational capability, leadership quality, and the adequacy of human resource management as influencing factors for innovation. Poor leadership, lack of inter- and cross-organizational learning, and structural barriers related to inadequate communication and formal forums also hinder progress. In addition, the resistance to change and the inability to engage employees effectively further obstruct innovation efforts. These issues can be addressed through the creation of a supportive innovation environment, enhancing training and development, and improving communication networks. Despite thorough database searches, the emerging nature of this topic has resulted in limited literature, restricting a comprehensive comparison of studies. Future research studies should be longitudinal in design, from diverse geographic contexts, and focus on the effects of emerging technologies to comprehensively understand these barriers and develop effective strategies for overcoming them.

Keywords: barriers; healthcare; innovation; solutions; workforce.