Exploring ethical concerns in the development of advanced prosthetic devices
Official title: Bionic and robotic prostheses: identifying bioethical concerns from key groups to improve development and clinical translation approaches
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11017124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the important questions about bionic and robotic prosthetic limbs, talking to people who have lost limbs, healthcare workers, and decision-makers to understand their needs and concerns, so we can make these technologies better and more accessible for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $426,286 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036447-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced limb loss and are considering or currently using bionic or robotic prostheses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have limb loss or who are not interested in prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the bioethical issues surrounding the development and clinical use of bionic and robotic prostheses. It aims to gather insights from individuals with limb loss, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify key concerns such as user needs, insurance coverage, and equitable access to these technologies. By addressing these ethical considerations, the research seeks to bridge the gap between technological advancements and their practical application in clinical settings, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The methodology includes collecting qualitative data from various stakeholders to inform policy guidelines and enhance the design of prosthetic devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more user-centered and ethically developed prosthetic devices that improve the quality of life for individuals with limb loss.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research specifically addressing bioethical concerns in bionic and robotic prostheses, similar studies in other areas of biomedical ethics have shown the importance of stakeholder perspectives in improving clinical practices.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finco, Malaka Grace — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Finco, Malaka Grace
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.