Clinical Uptake of Pediatric Exoskeletons: Pilot Study Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

While the design and clinical evidence base of robot-assisted gait training devices has been advancing, few studies investigate user experiences with accessing and using such devices in pediatric rehabilitation. This pilot study aims to further the understanding of barriers encountered by clinicians and caregivers when implementing a robot-assisted gait training device.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at a local outpatient pediatric therapy center with a robot-assisted gait training exoskeleton. Six caregivers and six clinicians participated in semistructured interviews with brief surveys. The surveys were summarized with descriptive statistics. The interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

The five most mentioned Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs were knowledge and beliefs, relative advantage, child attributes, complexity, and access to knowledge and information. Caregivers experienced obstacles to accessing and trialing robot-assisted gait training devices. Clinicians expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of incorporating robot-assisted gait training into their clinic and preferred lower-tech gait training techniques.

While some aspects of access and usability may be addressed by device design and technological advancements, overcoming other barriers will require a deeper understanding of the roles of scientific evidence, personal beliefs, and current therapy workflows in the uptake of robotic interventions.