Biomedical engineering point of view on the implementation of rehabilitation technology: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose There is a gap between the development of technological innovations for rehabilitation settings and the long-term adoption of the innovations in the settings. The purpose then is to study the developer´s perspectives on barriers and facilita- tors to the implementation of technological innovations for rehabilitation in clinical settings. Methods A qualitative research study was undertaken with biomedical engineers working at university. Two focus groups were conducted with open-ended questions to explore their perceptions of technology development and perceived barriers and facilitators during implementation. The analysis included preliminary coding based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), review and discussion of emerging themes. Results Eleven technology developers (biomedical engineers, researchers) took part in the study. Among the main barri- ers identified were the fact that the source of the innovations is the literature state of the art, and the underlying aim of the innovations is to provide an original solution. Also the results showed a lack of consensus regarding the end user of the innovations and the lack of consideration of the characteristics valued by the clinic. Among the facilitators identified, the adaptability of the innovations to the clinical setting stands out. Conclusions In this group of developers there is a duality between the scientific originality of innovations and the transfer- able nature of these developments. This acts as a barrier to generating technology that meets user requirements. Working in interdisciplinary teams is one of the best alternatives to achieve this.