Facilitating transformative change in medication adherence practices

• Published in: The Service industries journal 2018-01, Vol.38 (1-2), p.48-66
• Main Author: Rai, Ranvir S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Continued adoption; Drug therapy; Health care; Patient compliance; practice theory; Self service; self-service technology; Studies; Technology adoption; transformative service research
• ISSN: 0264-2069; 1743-9507
• DOI: 10.1080/02642069.2017.1369967

This article explores how healthcare consumer collectives integrate self-service technology as part of their everyday lives on a long-term basis. Combining previously published research with data collected from field observations, in-depth interviews and focus groups, the author uncovers distinct adoption styles and then links these to well-being in a chronic healthcare context. Importantly, findings from the research suggest that successful long-term adoption of new technology depends not only on improving a targeted practice (medicating patients in this case), but also other affected everyday practices in the lives of consumers. By drawing on insights from the literature of service-dominant logic and practice theory, the author identifies 'value-in-context' and 'lifestyle fit' that underlie resource integration in medication adherence. Four adoption styles were uncovered, in which two in particular, 'door opener' and 'transformative change,' should be emphasized by healthcare managers and developers as they tend to be associated with higher well-being.