In February the HRC ran a rehabilitation showcase event. Innovators developing new technologies were invited to talk about their work, network with other teams and learn about funding opportunities. Speakers from the NIHR academy, Innovation observatory, NIHR i4i and Innovate UK spoke about funding schemes to promote new technology. Tony Young from the clinical entrepreneur programme showed examples of innovation from NHS and staff and patients and people with lived experience of rehabilitation shared their thoughts.
A highlight of the day was the chance to hear from 7 teams developing technology to support recovery from brain injury. We look forward to hearing more about their projects as they develop.
4 breakout sessions explored unmet needs in rehabilitation along the patient pathway and factors affecting adoption of new tech.
Some key principles were identified by the group which will inform a new Directory of Unmet Needs which will be published in early summer.
· Inclusion
New technologies should be suitable for use by diverse communities and studies of these should be carried out following principles of Research Inclusion
· Accessibility
Devices must be appropriate for use by people with brain and spinal injury and developers should be aware of possible impairments in movement, attention, memory and communication. The impact of fatigue can also reduce the ability to engage with technology and sensory demands may need to be reduced.
· Interoperability
Implementation into NHS systems requires new technology to be compatible with existing recording and operating systems
