Life After the HSIF: Lessons From Diffusion of Innovation for Sustaining the Impact of Embeddedness; Comment on “Early Career Outcomes of Embedded Research Fellows: An Analysis of the Health System Impact Fellowship Program”

Articles in Press

Document Type : Commentary

Authors

Implementation Scient Team, Health Innovation Hub, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada

Abstract

Kasaai and colleagues (2023) examine the career outcomes of alumni from CIHR's Health System Impact (HSI) Fellowship, which embeds emerging scholars in health system organizations. The study of the 2017-2019 cohort shows all alumni are employed, with 92% working in Canada, and highlights their presence in academia, public service, healthcare, and private industry. Notably, 37% hold "hybrid" roles, blending academic and other sector work. While the fellowship effectively prepares fellows for impactful careers, the prevalence of hybrid roles raises concerns about sustaining academic partnerships post-fellowship. This commentary explores risks to embedded scholars, such as decentralization, competing innovations, and limited ongoing training, using the Diffusion of Innovations framework. It suggests strategies like strengthening network connectivity, focusing on high-impact innovations, increasing organizational embeddedness, and maintaining adaptability to ensure the long-term success of embedded scholars and the integration of evidence-based innovations in health systems. 

Keywords

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 October 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 23 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 27 October 2024
  • First Publish Date: 28 October 2024

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