Donovan-Hall, M, Chadwell, AEA 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9101-5202, Morgado Ramirez, D, Ssekitoleko, R, Sobuh, M and Kenney, LPJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2164-3892
2019,
Harnessing public and patient involvement for upper limb prosthetics design
, in: Trent International Prosthetics Symposium, 20th-22nd March 2019, Salford.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Increasing numbers of people in Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs ) are living with upper
limb absence, however, access to P&O services are limited. This can have a devastating impact
on engagement in activities of daily living, as when living at a subsistence level and without
appropriate prostheses, daily tasks can be challenging to perform. The overall aim of this
study is to develop a ‘fit-for-purpose’ upper limb prosthesis. However, to optimise the use
and acceptability of a new prosthetic device, it is essential to understand the social, cultural
and historical context of the environment.
Scoping and exploratory work was carried out to underpin the research and design parameters
of a ‘fit-for-purpose’ body-powered upper limb prosthesis suitable for two LMICs, Uganda and
Jordan. This involved three key aspects:
1. Informal scoping interviews within a ‘Public, Patient Involvement’ (PPI) framework
with clinicians, technical staff, and people with upper limb absence
2. The development of thorough ‘scoping reports’ through the observations and note
taking across a range of public, NGO and charity services
3. Telephone and Skype PPI interviews with International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) Rehabilitation Managers
The collated findings provide clear insight into the specific needs of the users and wider
stakeholder. This is essential for the next stage of the research in the following ways: a) an
insight into key social and cultural issues, b) influencing the remit of the study in terms of
adjustable socket designs, c) establishing system and manufacturing considerations to ensure
sustainability, and d) developing relationships and partnerships.
Acknowledgement
This work is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and National Institute
for Health Research under the grant number EP/R013985/1.
References
Sexton (2016), Rehabilitation of people with physical disabilities in developing
countries. Brussels, ISPO
WHO (2011), World report on disability, ISBN9789241564182
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