The aim of this paper is to discuss which factors influence the impact of innovation champions on organisations. This is done by means of a systematic review of existing research. Many of the studies do not have a solid theoretical base. However, we find that resource dependency theory provides a theoretical framework in which innovation champions can be understood. We also show explicitly how other theories such as network theory, agency theory, and personal trait theory are needed in order to explain certain elements of the champions' behaviour. We propose an overall model, discuss theoretical and managerial implications of previous research, and suggest areas for future research.

No abstract

This national study with almost complete inclusion and follow-up shows that the delays occur mainly at patient level and in hospital. The delay is associated with new neurological events. Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with reduced risk of having a new neurological event before surgery.

Objective/Background: The objective was to observe for 1 year all patients in Norway operated on for symptomatic carotid stenosis with respect to (i) the time from the index event to surgery and neurological events during this time; (ii) the level in the healthcare system causing delay of surgical treatment; and (iii) the possible relationship between peri-operative use of platelet inhibitors and neurological events while awaiting surgery.Methods: This was a prospective national multicentre study of a consecutive series of symptomatic patients. Patients were eligible for inclusion when referred for surgery. An index event was defined as the neurological event prompting contact with the healthcare system. All 15 departments in Norway performing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) participated.Results: Three hundred and seventy one patients were eligible for inclusion between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015, and 368 patients (99.2%) were included. Fifty-four percent of the patients contacted their general practitioner on the day of the index event. Primary healthcare referred 84.2% of the patients to hospital on the same day as examined. In hospital median time from admission to referral for vascular surgery was 3 days. Median time between referral to the operating unit and actual CEA was 5 days. Overall, 61.7% of the patients were operated on within 2 weeks of the index event. Twelve patients (3.3%) suffered a new neurological event while awaiting surgery. The percentage of patients on dual antiplatelet therapy was lower (25.0%) in this group than among the other patients (62.6%) (p = .008). The combined 30 day mortality and stroke rate was 3.8%.Conclusion: This national study with almost complete inclusion and follow-up shows that the delays occurs mainly at patient level and in hospital. The delay is associated with new neurological events. Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with reduced risk of having a new neurological event before surgery.

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are frequently used for the administration of chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition and have proved to be safe and improve patient quality of life during treatment. Catheter-related infections are the most common complication, whereas catheter fracture and embolization is rarely seen. We present a case of a 61-year-old cancer patient in which the TIVAD fractured and embolized to the patient’s left knee 18 months after its initial placement. An endovascular procedure with intraoperative imaging revealed that the catheter had embolized to the popliteal artery and was successfully removed, the only explanation being the presence of an atrial septal defect. A bubble echocardiogram was unsuccessful in confirming the diagnosis. The catheter fracture could be related to an intravascular procedure that was performed 18 months prior to remove fibrin sheaths as a cause of port malfunction, or it could be a case of pinch-off syndrome.