Clinician perceptions of a novel wearable robotic hand orthosis for post-stroke hemiparesis

Abstract

Purpose

Wearable robotic devices are currently being developed to improve upper limb function for individuals with hemiparesis after stroke. Incorporating the views of clinicians during the development of new technologies can help ensure that end products meet clinical needs and can be adopted for patient care.

Methods

In this cross-sectional mixed-methods study, an anonymous online survey was used to gather clinicians’ perceptions of a wearable robotic hand orthosis for post-stroke hemiparesis. Participants were asked about their clinical experience and provided feedback on the prototype device after viewing a video.

Results

154 participants completed the survey. Only 18.8% had previous experience with robotic technology. The majority of participants (64.9%) reported that they would use the device for both rehabilitative and assistive purposes. Participants perceived that the device could be used in supervised clinical settings with all phases of stroke. Participants also indicated a need for insurance coverage and quick setup time.

Conclusions

Engaging clinicians early in the design process can help guide the development of wearable robotic devices. Both rehabilitative and assistive functions are valued by clinicians and should be considered during device development. Future research is needed to understand a broader set of stakeholders’ perspectives on utility and design.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Clinicians valued both assistive and rehabilitative uses of a wearable robotic hand orthosis designed for individuals with hemiparesis after stroke.

• Wearable robotic hand devices should have the capacity to engage in functional, real-world activities for both assistive and rehabilitative purposes.

• Pragmatic factors, such as set-up and training time, must be balanced with device complexity to enable implementation in clinical settings.

• Stakeholders, such as clinicians, play an important role in identifying design priorities for wearable robotic devices to ensure these devices can meet the needs of end-users.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• rehabilitation
• upper limb
• stakeholder engagement
• wearable devices
• assistive technology
• clinician perceptions

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Morgan Starkey, OTS, for help distributing the survey and Carly Goldberg, MS, OTR/L, for reviewing the survey.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke under Grant R01NS115652 and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development under award F31HD111301.