Abstract: | This paper reports on a system dynamics simulation model which was developed to study the diffusion of medical technologies but which should be applicable to other sorts of technologies as well. The model addresses both the adoption and the changing extent of use of an evolving, product-based technology and also endogenously accounts for changes in actual and perceived performance. Two specific medical case studies provide background to the model and are used for testing the model's ability to reproduce various aspects of historical behavior. The model's relatively complex structure is presented in the form of influence diagrams showing major flows and relationships. The paper concludes with a discussion of contributions and possible future uses and modifications of the model. |