Qualitative needs assessment for the development of a smart thumb prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Thumb amputation significantly impacts daily function, occupational activities, and mental well-being.
• Existing thumb prostheses often lead to user frustration and device abandonment.
• Understanding end-user perspectives is crucial for developing effective prosthetic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore lived experiences of individuals following thumb amputation.
• To identify essential elements for an ideal thumb prosthesis from the end-user viewpoint.
• To inform the design and development of improved prosthetic devices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving end-user stakeholders, including amputees, rehabilitation professionals, and prosthetists.
• Conventional content analysis of interview data.
• Interviews conducted with six patients and eight healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• Loss of a thumb affects function, occupation, and mental health.
• Thumb amputees exhibit unique needs, goals, and injury circumstances.
• High costs, patient frustration, and device abandonment are significant issues with current prostheses.
• Ideal prosthetic design includes sensory feedback, durable materials, and oppositional capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Stakeholder input highlights current limitations in thumb prosthetics.
• User preferences emphasize simple, durable designs enabling opposition, grasping, and sensory feedback.
• Affordability and ease of fitting are critical systemic objectives for prosthetic adoption.