Technologies to enhance quality and access to prosthetics & orthotics: the importance of a multidisciplinary, user-centred approach

Abstract

This paper presents the story behind developing the Cambodia-UK prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) project ‘LMIC Limbs’. We describe the methods employed in identifying and iterating the project scope, the principles underpinning our collaboration, and our reflections on the process. In the context of growing digital technology possibilities for P&O services (CAD/CAM, 3D scanning, and 3D printing or additive manufacturing), this set of principles addresses issues of:
• ensuring the project is defined by a technology pull, instead of a technology push,
• objectively mapping project stakeholders and the value proposition, and
• consulting these stakeholders on the potential benefits and disadvantages of these technologies, and the barriers and facilitators associated with their implementation.These issues are addressed simultaneously through approaching the project development by co-design of research with equal status partnerships across nationalities and multidisciplinary team professions. As such, the project deliverables are designed according to the definition of Appropriate Technology in the context of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Alexander Dickinson: orcid.org/0000-0002-9647-1944

ORCID for Gary Wills: orcid.org/0000-0001-5771-4088

ORCID for Peter Worsley: orcid.org/0000-0003-0145-5042

ORCID for Cheryl Metcalf: orcid.org/0000-0002-7404-6066

Catalogue record

Export record

Altmetrics