What term is used to describe an innovation that disrupts traditional ideas and methods of operation?

Disruptive technology refers to innovations that significantly alter the way industries, businesses, or markets operate, often displacing established technologies or practices. This term is commonly used to describe innovations that create new markets and value networks, eventually displacing existing market-leading products and services.

The concept of disruptive technology is rooted in the idea that these innovations may initially appear less capable than established products but eventually surpass them by meeting new consumer demands or improving efficiency. For example, the introduction of smartphones revolutionized communication and computing, challenging traditional mobile phones and personal computers.

This term encompasses a wide range of applications across various fields, particularly in health informatics, where new technology can dramatically change how patient data is collected, analyzed, and utilized for decision-making. Disruptive technology leads to transformative changes that can enhance patient care, streamline processes, and ultimately reshape entire systems. Other options like transformative technology or innovative technology do not specifically capture the essence of "disruption" and the impact on established practices as clearly as disruptive technology does.