Advances in prosthetic technology: a perspective on ethical considerations for development and clinical translation

Abstract

Technological advancements of prostheses in recent years, such as haptic feedback, active power, and machine learning for prosthetic control, have opened new doors for improved functioning, satisfaction, and overall quality of life. However, little attention has been paid to ethical considerations surrounding the development and translation of prosthetic technologies into clinical practice. This article, based on current literature, presents perspectives surrounding ethical considerations from the authors' multidisciplinary views as prosthetists (HG, AM, CLM, MGF), as well as combined research experience working directly with people using prostheses (AM, CLM, MGF), wearable technologies for rehabilitation (MGF, BN), machine learning and artificial intelligence (BN, KKQ), and ethics of advanced technologies (KKQ). The target audience for this article includes developers, manufacturers, and researchers of prosthetic devices and related technology. We present several ethical considerations for current advances in prosthetic technology, as well as topics for future research, that may inform product and policy decisions and positively influence the lives of those who can benefit from advances in prosthetic technology.

1. Introduction

As prosthesis use has increased, technology has continued to advance, resulting in many scientific breakthroughs over the last decade. A few examples include haptic feedback to restore sensation (1, 2), componentry that can provide active power (3) and machine learning for prosthetic control (1, 3). These and similar advances in prosthetic technology have the potential to revolutionize prosthetic care (2, 3); however, ethical concerns of development and implementation into current clinical practice are often not discussed, contributing to a widening gap between research and clinical practice as well as wasted research costs. For example, actively powered knee and ankle prostheses have encountered multiple challenges (e.g., being too heavy, being too bulky, being inefficient, not providing enough power to actively support the patient's weight and activity) that have limited commercialization (4). Providing developers and manufacturers of prosthetic technology an overview of ethical concerns related to development and clinical translation could help prevent wasted research costs and maximize potential benefits of prosthetic technology as advances continue.

In this perspective article, we present the author's viewpoints on several ethical considerations for advances in prosthetic technology, as well as topics for future research. Specifically, we discuss topics within device development and translation to clinical practice. While not an exhaustive list, we hope the ethical considerations discussed in these sections can help bridge existing gaps between clinicians and developers, manufacturers, and researchers, to ultimately inform user-centered design, establish policy guidelines, and reduce wasted research costs. Most importantly, proactively addressing ethical considerations from both a research and clinical perspective can help ensure that people who receive prosthetic care actually benefit from current and continued advancements in prosthetic technology.

2. Device development

The development of advanced prosthetic technology is generally conducted with little input from users or clinicians. In this section, we highlight the importance of considering user-centered design principles, participatory action research, reported needs of prosthesis users, and clinician perspectives to optimize device development.

2.1. Utilize user-centered design and participatory action research

User-centered design, also termed co-creation or human-centered design and along the same paradigms as value sensitive design (5), is the process in which developers include the needs, values, opinions, and concerns of end-users throughout the design and implementation of a novel idea or product (6). Without user-centered design in prosthetics, developers risk wasting resources towards the production of new devices that may be unusable or undesirable among end-users. More importantly, participatory action research allows a shift from thinking of people as “end-users” towards integrating them as equal members of the team developing the technology (i.e., making technology with people instead of for them), ensuring development from idea generation to implementation is relevant to their lived experiences (7). Several studies have reported the perspectives of prosthesis users in the context of current clinically available prosthetic technology, such as cosmesis (making the prosthesis aesthetically pleasing), prosthetic fit/comfort, functionality, and specific prosthetic componentry that may help clinicians provide the best services for their patients (8–21). However, there is limited research focusing on user perspectives regarding future technology to guide the development of new prosthetic devices (22–25). As advanced technologies continue to enter the field of prosthetics, these user perspectives must be reported to ensure the technologies are beneficial before they are made readily available. Yet, user expectations for prosthetic technology may be unrealistically high and unattainable, so it is important to properly educate individuals on inherent trade-offs of design to collect informed perspectives. Of equal concern, including a diverse user group that is representative of the larger target audience is challenging, yet must be considered when collecting these perspectives. Additionally, user-centered design frameworks (6, 23, 26–28), the Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX) (29), and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (30) should be utilized in future studies to guide new technology design and assess its acceptance by users.

2.2. Determine user needs

In a recent review of lower limb prosthesis (LLP) user needs, pain reduction, mobility, social integration, independence, and the ability to walk were the most frequently reported needs while safety was reported as another important need (31). Some of the advanced technology currently used in the clinical setting has resulted in improvements in these areas (32–35) but further development is necessary to meet these needs (31). Although limited, user-centered design as a component of advancing LLP technology has been reported (22, 23), Fanciullacci et al. found that transfemoral amputees reported they would like their powered robotic prosthesis to assist in ascending stairs and inclines, but not running (22). Similarly, Beckerle et al. utilized a human-machine-centered design process that considers both the technical and user needs, weighs their importance in the overall design of the technology, and proposes the priorities to guide the development process (23). Approaches similar to these studies should be implemented in the development of advanced LLP technology to help ensure the technology's acceptance and success in the hands of the users. Further, future LLP technology must meet or exceed the benefits of current technologies in the realm of end-user mobility, independence, comfort, and safety to promote adoption.

Upper limb prosthesis (ULP) users have reported unique needs compared to lower-limb prosthesis users. A recent review reported ULP users require more functionality (e.g., grasping, manipulation, and strength), better cosmesis, and better comfort out of their devices regardless of device type (body powered, myoelectric, passive) or level of limb loss/difference (36). Additionally, users request sensory feedback, higher battery and electrode reliability and durability, less dependence on visual attention while using their prosthesis, accurate anthropomorphic dimensions, less heat retention, and less motor noise (36). Although more recent developments in ULP technology have sought to resolve these issues, these needs are nearly identical to those reported in a study published over 20 years ago (37). Similarly, device abandonment in ULP users has been a concern for decades, yet current prosthetic technology still has not improved abandonment rates (38, 39). In a recent survey, 44% of ULP users rejected the use of their prosthesis despite almost 93% of them having been prescribed one of the most advanced ULP technologies clinically available (myoelectric control) (38). Reasons for abandonment are due to discomfort (too heavy, too hot, causing excessive sweating), non-ideal function (inhibited control, no sensory feedback), and users being more independent without a prosthesis (39). In addition, advanced prosthetic technology requires various levels of training to deliver optimal user benefits, and overlooking prosthetic training can lead to abandonment (40). Developers and manufacturers can combat abandonment and excessive training needs by developing more intuitive control mechanisms, rather than entirely new devices, and offer clear instructions that physical and occupational therapists can also use to help patients adapt to their devices. As much as ULP technology development has grown over recent decades, it is clear that more must be done to meet the needs of prosthesis users. Further, assessment of the needs and perspectives of prosthetic users regarding advanced ULP technology is sparse. Engdahl et al. found that users are more interested in current clinically available, non-invasive myoelectric prostheses and the ability to complete more basic functions, rather than undergo surgery or the ability to complete advanced functions that would be included with new technologies (24). However, Kelley et al. suggests that users are willing to accept the risks associated with the new technologies if there is a significant functional benefit such as sensory feedback, improved user control, and reduced training time and maintenance (25). Nonetheless, these findings conclude that user perspectives towards advanced ULP technologies must be researched further to help guide technology development.

2.3. Include clinician perspectives

Prosthetic device development should also involve the perspectives of the clinicians, (e.g., prosthetists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and others) who are members of the interprofessional healthcare team. In a focus group involving clinicians, users, researchers, and device manufacturers, Klute et al. determined fit, comfort, function, performance, and stability were important LLP user needs that the authors suggest can be improved by developing standardized outcome measures (41). Additionally, non-technical features, like improved patient education about the rehabilitation process, improved communication, improved evidence-based guidelines, and improved patient support systems, are just as important (41). Rekant et al. investigated clinician perspectives on current and prospective ULP technology and found that clinicians emphasized the user's needs for completing activities of daily living, participating in hobbies, device reliability and safety, in-hand object manipulation, finger flexion/extension, greater wrist range of motion, and thumb abduction/adduction (42). However, compared to users, clinicians were more skeptical of invasive surgeries (42). Additionally, since prosthetists in the US are reimbursed per device rather than per clinical service, prosthetists often must consider a business perspective that may conflict with their clinical perspective. Nonetheless, further information regarding clinician perspectives on and needs for advanced prosthetic technology is necessary to guide technology development.

2.4. Promote health equity

Promoting health equity can help ensure people who use prostheses have access to advanced technologies that can improve their quality of life (43). To promote health equity in prosthetic design, it's critical to acknowledge that socioeconomic factors (e.g., age, race, ethnicity, gender, living in a rural environment) and other social determinants of health (e.g., racism) can contribute to health disparities in amputation rates, as well as prosthetic technology development and access (38, 43–53). Additionally, especially in the US, reduced access to quality health insurance and a lack of affordability of copays and deductibles have been found to widen disparities (54–56). It is possible that advanced prosthetic technology could continue to widen these existing health disparities. For instance, technology often requires a stable internet connection, compatible hardware and software, as well as technology literacy, training, and technical support for effective use. However, current billing practices in prosthetics dictate that any follow-up care is bundled into a lump-sum payment for the device, and providers are not reimbursed for follow-up care outside of this base rate. Additionally, people who are older adults, belong to systematically marginalized groups, or live in rural communities are often underrepresented in prosthetics literature (57–59), including technology development. To elucidate health disparities, researchers must first collect and report detailed socioeconomic information, as a recent review determined 84% of the 420 manuscripts reviewed did not report race or ethnicity of the participants (60). Collecting and reporting detailed socioeconomic information is an essential first step to begin understanding and addressing existing disparities. Researchers can also pursue topics that center people who are underrepresented in current prosthetics literature, and use recruitment strategies (i.e., participant payment for travel and/or childcare) to mitigate participation barriers and help ensure development and subsequent access to technologies are equitable.

3. Translation to clinical practice

Clinicians and researchers must collaborate to integrate new advanced prosthetic technology into the market and clinical practice, ensuring the greatest benefit to the user, justifying the resources spent to develop the technology, and advancing the field as a whole (61–65). Making novel prosthetic technology readily available in clinical practice requires a sustained effort of numerous resources over multiple years. For instance, microprocessor knees (MPKs) began development in the 1980's (66–68), were not commercially available in the US until 1999, and were not covered by Medicare until 2005 (69). Additionally, many patient and situational factors affect prosthetic prescription in clinical practice. For example, MPKs may not be suitable for some patients, such as individuals who are not cognitively capable of using and taking care of the MPK (70). Further, some patients, such as those classified as limited community ambulators (K2 Medicare functional classification level), may be unable to receive an MPK due to insurance coverage restrictions, though current research has demonstrated benefits to this population (68, 70). This section discusses practical considerations and potential barriers of translating new advanced prosthetic technology into clinical practice.

3.1. Understand reimbursement and coverage

Arguably the most critical aspect of technology translation into prosthetic patient care is device coverage. To prosthetic users and clinicians alike, cost is a crucial concern and must be accounted for in prosthetic technology development (31, 36, 41, 42, 71). As all authors are based in the US, only US coverage guidelines will be discussed, though international challenges in prosthetic coverage have also been reported (72). Kannenberg et al. discuss how insurance companies (including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services) have recently called for greater evidence with high-quality methods to document the clinical benefit of prosthetic technology and guide payment rates (72, 73). Although it is difficult to mask participants and randomize study groups in prosthetics research, high-quality evidence is crucial to justify the need and subsequent reimbursement of prosthetic technology. As manufacturers and developers continue to produce novel technologies, the cost of high-quality research can be priced into the product to account for this need. Additionally, insurance companies can dictate whether cheaper technologies provide equal benefit and will therefore be sufficient for the patient (72). Thus, new prosthetic technology must have a documented added benefit in order to receive adequate reimbursement, and developers and manufacturers should await the publication of this documented benefit prior to marketing the technology. Negotiating reimbursement with third party payers would also be easier if developers and manufacturers defined a specific target population rather than using the traditional yet vague K-Level classifiers or “product for all” approach. Furthermore, the ability of prosthetists to bill for time spent manufacturing, aligning, repairing, or otherwise managing a prosthetic device is limited. Thus, it may be unwise to develop prosthetic technology that requires extensive maintenance as clinicians may reject it on the basis of losing time, effort, and money. Cosmetic devices, though they have been documented to positively impact personal identity and overall quality of life (8, 17, 31, 74–78) are generally regarded as not medically necessary and are not covered by insurance. Despite the struggle to obtain suitable reimbursement for prosthetic devices, clinicians and patients rely on insurance coverage as any remaining costs must be covered out-of-pocket by the patient or sometimes charitable organizations. Finally, it is important to ensure that new prosthetic technology is accessible to all individuals regardless of financial status. Though they may not provide all the same benefits as their higher-end counterparts, more cost-effective options are necessary to meet the needs of all individuals. Ultimately, it is important to keep these funding structures in mind during the development of new prosthetic technology, as device payment is needed for device utilization. If not already doing so, developers could also help advocate for changes in the billing and coding system to improve coverage and reimbursement.

3.2. Abide by regulatory and education standards

An additional step in transitioning new prosthetic technology to the market is abiding by regulatory, manufacturing, and education standards. For instance, the use of digital technology to fabricate prostheses has risen with the advent of computer aided design and manufacturing and 3D printing technology. Both people receiving prosthetic care and prosthetists have expressed concerns regarding durability, safety, and aesthetics of 3D printed lower-limb prosthetic sockets (79). Compliance with manufacturing standards, such as ISO/TC 168 (80) and FDA 21CFR890 (81), ensure the device is safe and suitable for use. Additionally, while digital technologies can be excellent tools to integrate into clinical practice, concern remains over a lack of certification regulations for people who attempt to fit prosthetic devices who have not received the education (currently a Master's degree) or who are not subject to regulations (state licensure or certification required of prosthetists). Though a global shortage in training programs and certified prosthetists is evident (82–84), governing bodies such as the World Health Organization (85), the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (86), and the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (87) have advocated for increased education standards and improved prosthetist training. Furthermore, the emphasis of evidence-based practice in prosthetic education (84, 88), equipping prosthetist educators with tools for effective teaching (84, 89), and utilizing internships and residencies to transition students into skilled clinicians (84, 90) have also improved prosthetic education. Companies, individuals, and researchers who are not prosthetists can seek to include certified prosthetists in their business model or research team to ensure the safety of prosthesis users. Following ethical design, regulatory, and manufacturing processes not only provides protection of the technology and its developers from liability issues, but also improves user safety and user trust in the technology, further improving its acceptance and adoption in clinical practice.

3.3. Encourage patient autonomy

Patient autonomy and informed consent are of utmost importance in clinical practice and should, likewise, be of importance to researchers in prosthetic technology development. Complete transparency about the design process, intended functionality, benefits and drawbacks, costs, and maintenance requirements for prosthetic devices should always be conveyed by researchers, to help clinicians convey these aspects transparently to patients. Additionally, regardless of whether a patient will be able to afford or effectively utilize a specific prosthetic technology, the patient is still entitled to know all of their options. Prosthetists may act as gatekeepers to device options, potentially only presenting prosthetic technology that they deem appropriate. Decisions about appropriate prosthetic technology may be influenced by implicit and explicit biases. To bridge this gap, shared decision-making models help clinicians improve communication, understand patient values, utilize their clinical experience, and clarify the prosthetic journey for the patient (91–94). Researchers and developers can develop more decision-making models as well as provide greater information and education on new technologies to aid clinicians in this endeavor. Novel technologies are commonly more complex than previous technologies, so developers must find a means of helping clinicians fully explain these complexities to patients. Decision-making aids are one tool within knowledge translation, which is the field of study dedicated to expediting the implementation of research into clinical practice (95). Despite the value that knowledge translation research could bring to effective clinical translation (96), it remains underexamined by researchers in prosthetics literature. Lastly, for future implications of advanced prosthetic technology, it is important to inform patients that their data (collected for monitoring and secondary data use) may be used in ways that are not known at the time they are giving consent.

3.4. Consider data collection and privacy

While not yet integrated into standard clinical practice, several studies have demonstrated that wearable sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence could potentially be used in clinical practice to improve prosthetic care (97–100). However, many challenges still exist in integrating these technologies into clinical practice (e.g., privacy concerns with data collection and storage, maintaining software updates, data collection and storage, cost-effectiveness, clinician scope of practice, health equity) (101–105). While standards and guidelines are still emerging, commitment and regulation from developers is crucial, yet difficult to enforce. Researchers and policymakers in prosthetics can look at practical applications, such as governance models, that other fields have recently raised (101). While some advances that could utilize machine learning or artificial intelligence (e.g., brain-computer interfaces, ability to feel temperature or pressure) have not yet left a research setting, they have clear applications for improving functionality (e.g., increased perceptions of prosthetic embodiment, more intuitive control of the device) or remotely monitoring rehabilitation. It is important to consider how integrating these technologies into prosthetic devices could inform clinical decision-making to further prevent complications, manage comorbidities, and improve long-term health of prosthesis users. Specifically, future studies could determine how advanced prosthetic technologies could help monitor and predict rehabilitation adverse events (e.g., falls) to improve overall patient care, while also considering how this could influence clinician scope of practice. Additionally, since limb loss and difference are expected to be permanent disabilities, devising methods to make long-term digital healthcare accessible are also crucial for patient success, and promoting health equity (106, 107).

4. Summary

Figure 1 summarizes the ethical considerations and action items discussed in this perspective article. Developers, manufacturers, and researchers can implement these considerations throughout the process of developing advanced prosthetic technology. Utilizing user-centered design frameworks, as well as centering the needs of people with limb loss and difference and clinician perspectives, are crucial to ensure prosthetic technology will be beneficial to those who will use it. Additionally, determining the need for and benefit of a new prosthetic technology can ultimately prevent wasted research costs. Understanding the barriers to translating advances in prosthetic technology to clinical care before and throughout development can help ensure the technology will be safe to use, accessible, and successful on the market to improve patient outcomes.

Figure 1.

Ethical considerations and action items for the development and translation of prosthetic technology.

5. Conclusion

Although each of the points summarized in Figure 1 are crucial to consider throughout development of novel prosthetic technology, many may conflict. For instance, it may be difficult to balance the need for technology that abides by regulatory standards and employs high-quality research, but also remains inexpensive and accessible to all potential users. Further, members of interdisciplinary teams developing new prosthetic technology may have varying priorities, which may also differ by situation or change over time. Research is needed to incorporate these various design criteria into priority-ranking frameworks, like the one proposed by Beckerle et al. (23), to help developers, manufacturers, and researchers realistically implement these considerations as prosthetic technology advances. Additionally, decision-making and decisional support guides must be developed to aid clinicians in understanding and incorporating new technologies into their practices. Advances in prosthetic technology have the potential to revolutionize care for prosthetic patients, but it is imperative that these technologies are designed ethically and in consideration of end users.

6. Author positionality

Most authors of this article are prosthetists and/or researchers of people with limb loss and difference, as detailed in the abstract. It is essential to note that none of the authors have limb loss or difference, so we have not personally encountered consequences of ethical barriers related to prosthetic technology. This article represents an effort to critically examine and evaluate ethical barriers related to prosthetic technology in our professional community. We aim to foster greater transparency, equity, and inclusivity throughout the development and translation of prosthetic technology in our community and in our own work.

Funding Statement

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

HG: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. CM: Writing – review & editing. KK-Q: Writing – review & editing. AM: Writing – review & editing. BN: Writing – review & editing. MF: Conceptualization, Supervision, Visualization, Writing – review & editing.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's note

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