Technologies to Enhance Quality and Access to Prosthetics & Orthotics: the importance of a multidisciplinary, user-centred approach

This paper presents the story behind developing the Cambodia-UK prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) project ‘LMIC Limbs’. We describe the methods employed in identifying and iterating the project scope, the principles underpinning our collaboration, and our reflections on the process. In the context of growing digital technology possibilities for P&O services (CAD/CAM, 3D scanning, and 3D printing or additive manufacturing), this set of principles addresses issues of: • ensuring the project is defined by a technology pull, instead of a technology push, • objectively mapping project stakeholders and the value proposition, and • consulting these stakeholders on the potential benefits and disadvantages of these technologies, and the barriers and facilitators associated with their implementation.These issues are addressed simultaneously through approaching the project development by co-design of research with equal status partnerships across nationalities and multidisciplinary team professions. As such, the project deliverables are designed according to the definition of Appropriate Technology in the context of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.