The challenge of disseminating innovations to direct care providers in health care organizations.

Innovation is the discipline of applying new knowledge gained from multiple sources, including, but not limited to, scientific research. What is known and believed about knowledge generation, sharing, and dissemination of innovative ideas is discussed, with emphasis on applications to nursing and health care. The US Department of Veterans Affairs' virtual learning center is an example of a technology-based center that provides the opportunity to nurture social learning. Expanding the understanding of the generation and spread of innovations, and applying this knowledge in health care settings are critical to rapid changes in our social systems.