Leveraging Digital Technology to overcome barriers in the Prosthetic and Orthotic Industry: an evaluation of its applicability and use during the COVID-19 pandemic

This article was originally published here

JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. 2020 Sep 22. doi: 10.2196/23827. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) industry typically provides an artisan “hands-on” approach to assessment and fitting of orthopedic devices. Despite growing interest in digital technology for P&O service provision, little is known of the quantum of use and the extent to which the current pandemic has accelerated the adoption.

OBJECTIVE: This study’s objective is to assess the use of digital technology in P&O and whether its use can help overcome challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A Web-based survey of working Prosthetists/Orthotists and lower limb patients was conducted between June-July 2020 and divided into three sections: Lower limb amputees, Prosthetist/Orthotist currently using digital technologies in their practice and Prosthetist/Orthotist not using any digital technology. Input was sought from industry and academia experts for the development of the survey. Descriptive analyses were performed for both qualitative (open-ended questions) and quantitative data.

RESULTS: In total, 113 individuals responded to the Web-based survey. 83 surveys were included in the analysis (patients: n=13, 15%; prosthetists/orthotists: n=70,85%). 30 surveys were excluded because less than 10% of the questions were answered. 31/70 (44%) of the prosthetist/orthotists utilizes digital technologies. 3D scanning and digital imaging were the leading technologies being used (27/31, 88%), primarily for footwear (18/31, 58%), ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), transtibial and transfemoral sockets (14/31, 45%). Digital technology enables safer care during COVID-19 with 24/31 (77%) stating it improves patient outcomes. Singapore was significantly less certain that the industries future is digital P=.04. The use of virtual care was reported by the prosthetists/orthotists to be beneficial for consultations, education, patient monitoring or triaging purposes. However, the technology could not overcome inherent barriers such as the lack of details normally obtained during a physical assessment.

CONCLUSIONS: Digital technology is transforming healthcare. The current pandemic highlights its usefulness in providing safer care, but digital technology must be implemented thoughtfully and designed to address issues that are barriers to current adoption. Technology advancements utilizing virtual platforms, digitalization methods, and improved connectivity will continue to change the future healthcare delivery. The prosthetic and orthotic industry should keep an open mind and move towards creating the required infrastructure to support this digital transformation, even if the world returns to pre-COVID-19 days.

PMID:33006946 | DOI:10.2196/23827

Do you need Digital Marketing or Digital Transformation help in your company? Know how we can help you or your company succeed in the Digital Era. Access our website, know more about our services, and get in touch! We are an amazing Digital Marketing Agency, with high technical skills to make you thrive! JSA Digital

Content Originally Published by Google.

source https://blog.jsa.digital/index.php/2020/10/03/leveraging-digital-technology-to-overcome-barriers-in-the-prosthetic-and-orthotic-industry-an-evaluation-of-its-applicability-and-use-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/