The strategic role of innovation in addressing oral health inequality in primary care organisations in England

Kelly, Paul Thomas (2015). The strategic role of innovation in addressing oral health inequality in primary care organisations in England. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Kelly15PhD.pdf
PDF - Redacted Version
Download (10MB)

Abstract

This research investigates the interplay between strategy, innovation, oral health inequalities, and the Primary Care Organisation (PCO). There has been little previous consideration of the interplay between these four factors, which this research addresses through a mixed-methods approach combining interviews, secondary-data analysis, and an investigation into the availability of oral health strategies. Analysis was supported by dialectic and functionalist approaches and suggested that structural and process difficulties affected the ability of PCOs to address inequalities in oral health through strategy and innovation. The role of PCOs and consultants in dental public health in relation to strategy and innovation was characterized by contradictions and inconsistencies, some of which appeared to be dysfunctional. The findings raise a number of considerations regarding the role PCOs adopted with regard to oral health inequalities. In particular, this thesis demonstrates that local and macro-level structures and processes may be inadequate to ensure reductions in oral health inequality through strategy and innovation. Integration of strategy and innovation in this thesis leads to a suggested innovation-strategy complex.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):