Recommendations for the Successful Implementation of Upper Limb Prosthetic Technology.

Hand Clin · Aug 2021 · Review

Gates DH, Engdahl SM, Davis A

University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, 2850 South Industrial Highway, Suite 400

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONDiscusses barriers to upper limb prosthetic adoption and proposes solutions like better reimbursement, multidisciplinary care, and education to reduce device abandonment.
Abstract, as published

Despite the numerous prosthetic hand designs that are commercially available, people with upper limb loss still frequently report dissatisfaction and abandonment. Over the past decade there have been numerous advances in prosthetic design, control, sensation, and device attachment. Each offers the potential to enhance function and satisfaction, but most come at high costs and involve surgical risks. Here, we discuss potential barriers and solutions to promote the widespread use of novel prosthetic technology. With appropriate reimbursement, multidisciplinary care teams, device-specific rehabilitation, and patient and clinician education, such technology has the potential to revolutionize the field and improve patient outcomes.

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