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. SP2: Research, Evidence and Promotion

Led by GDI Hub at UCL focusing on pulling together learning from across AT2030 to address the question ‘What Works to improve access to AT’.

The Global Report on Assistive Technology is photographed in the parliamentary reception

Sub-programme 2 is Led by GDI Hub at UCL with the support of World Health Organisation (WHO), International Society of Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO), and London School of Hygience & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The sub-programme focuses on the support to the development of the Global Report on Assistive Technology and the examination of evidence that local production systems are possible for AT in LMICs, asking: how can we develop resilient local production ecosystems?

Additionally, it focuses on the development of a series of virtual live labs where entrepreneurs and early-stage ventures can be supported by GDI Hub to develop their products and services and finally, the exploration of options for child powered mobility in LMICs through; the identification of need and motivation, a technical feasibility study and subsequent assessment of delivery feasibility.

 

Sub-Programmes

  • inclusive infrastructure: Holding page
  • Impact Stories & Community Collaboration: Storytelling can be a great tool to amplify the voices of disabled people and have their voices heard. Building on our previous work, this project explores ways for creative expressions of disabled people’s lived experiences through multi-sensory impactful storytelling.

Latest

  • Cover of research summary Cover Image

    A review of innovation strategies and processes to improve access to AT: Looking ahead to open innovation ecosystems: Research Summary

    Felipe Ramos Barajas, Vicki Austin, Dr Ben Oldfrey, Catherine Holloway, Dr Giulia Barbareschi, Malcolm MacLachlan, Rainer Kattel, Joanne McVeigh, Priya Morjaria, Tigmanshu Bhatnagar, George Torrens, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi, Jessica Massie, Dafne Zuleima Morgado Ramirez, Fiona Meeks, Kyle Keane, Cheryl D Metcalf, Srinivasan Sujatha, P. V. M. Rao
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Research Summaries
    Explore the full report

    This paper explores innovation in Assistive Products (APs), such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, emphasising how market dynamics and healthcare systems influence their development. It highlights the importance of *Open Innovation* and *Disruptive Innovation* in overcoming challenges like long lead times, resistance to change, and data gaps, particularly in low-income settings. The paper advocates for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and recommends leveraging open innovation strategies to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen AP provision.

  • Red and white page shows a summary of our reserach with a photo of a machine in the top right corner. The text reads, ‘Reserach summary: A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2-Prosthetics. About: Around 0.5% of the global population requires prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services, with demand expected to double by 2050. However, access to these devices is limited, especially in low-income countries. Digital technologies, such as CAD, CAM, and additive manufacturing, offer potential solutions to improve accessibility and efficiency in prosthetic fabrication. Highlights: Digital tools have streamlined prosthetic production by replacing manual processes. While these innovations could reduce labour and improve access, our research shows: A lack of large, long-term studies on these technologies. Minimal focus on training for clinicians and on device adjustment methods. Variability in workflows and materials, making conclusions difficult. Despite commercial systems being available, evidence on their real-world effectiveness and use is limited, especially in low-income countries. Conclusion: Research gaps, particularly in long-term evidence and training, hinder the widespread adoption of digital prosthetic technologies. Collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry is essential to support evidence-based decision-making and improve access to these innovations. Cover Image

    A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2-Prosthetics (Summary)

    Dr Ben Oldfrey, Catherine Holloway, Margaret K Donovan-Hall
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Global
    Research Summaries
    Publisher Link
    Read the research summary

    Click here to read a summary of our review on digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics. Digital fabrication offers potential to improve global prosthetic access, but gaps in research, large-scale studies, training, and workflow standardisation hinder evidence-based adoption and practical implementation in real-world clinical settings.

  • Screenshot of first section of paper Cover Image

    A scoping review of digital fabrication techniques applied to prosthetics and orthotics: Part 1 of 2-Prosthetics

    Dr Ben Oldfrey, Catherine Holloway, Margaret K Donovan-Hall
    April 16, 2024
    Global
    Academic Research Publications
    Publisher Link

    This scoping review examines the application of digital fabrication techniques to prosthetics, aiming to address gaps in the literature that hinder the adoption of these technologies in clinical settings. Traditional prosthetic manufacturing is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but digital fabrication could streamline the process and improve global access. A comprehensive search across multiple databases yielded 3487 articles, with 247 studies on lower and upper limb prosthetics included in the review. The findings highlight significant limitations, including the need for larger, long-term studies, better understanding of training requirements, and variability in production workflows and materials, all of which impede consistent conclusions

  • Front cover of the What Works highlight report. A man is photographed drinking from a water bottle using an upper limb prosthesis. The report text is 'What Works' 2018 - 2022 highlights. AT2030: testing ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all. AT2030, UK aid and GDI Hub logos are displayed. Cover Image

    'What Works' highlight report

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    June 13, 2023
    Global
    AT2030 Resources
    PDF
    Word version What Works

    A key highlights document of 'What Works' to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all. This report succinctly summarises the past five-years of the AT2030 programme, a £40 million programme funded by UK aid.

  • Participants at the storytelling workshop Cover Image

    AT Storytelling Workshop with the International Disability Alliance and ATScale

    Global Disability Innovation Hub
    May 31, 2023
    Global

    We ran our first AT storytelling workshop as part of the Bridge CRPD-SDGs Training of Trainers Module A in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) and supported by partners including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK (FCDO).