Understanding the mechanisms underlying the proposed therapies to adapt and optimize the therapy Technology development to go from cell-level experiments to patient implementation through unified research objectives and goals (e.g., stimulation/device to activate NPCs, devices/technology already available and modifications to move the field forward, and validation methods to demonstrate technology efficacy) Above all, clinical relevance and the therapy's true impact on patients determine therapeutic viability. We need to determine the value added of the therapies/devices once they are delivered to the patients, accessibility of the therapies for patients, reimbursement strategies, and patient selection to ensure therapy efficacy
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Funding agencies, policymakers, and the
public are required to understand and discuss the impact of the proposed technologies and to develop ethical framework fitting the proposed treatment's needs. The same parties need a strategy to support this type of systems research (e.g., design of accessories, connectors, electrodes, batteries, and stimulator housing) instead of glorifying and only funding projects perceived as “cutting edge.” In some instances, small changes to existing hardware and software solutions may be sufficient but will still require time, effort, and resources The scientists’ home institutions need to work with the scientists to provide effective and fast research ethics board review processes, ability to process and protect intellectual property without slowing down the research activity, engage the potential licensee of the technology early in the game, and encourage private–public partnership in technology development Individuals from the lived community are needed to better understand the needs of patients and patient support groups (e.g., emotional impact of leaving family for treatment), as well as additional racial and cultural representation
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