TY - JOUR T1 - Mobilizing Knowledge: The Evidence Gap for Assistive Devices JF - Technology Innovation Management Review Y1 - 2016 A1 - Edward D. Lemaire KW - assistive devices KW - knowledge mobilization KW - orthosis AB - Knowledge mobilization can be hindered in healthcare technology settings where the pace of change outpaces the ability to perform high-quality research methodologies that provide timely knowledge to enable informed prescription and technology application to the end user. Although well-controlled research with appropriate sample sizes is needed, this approach must be balanced with other evidence sources to address the knowledge immediacy requirements. Using carbon-fibre ankle–foot orthoses (i.e., lower-limb braces that improve stability, alignment, and foot-to-ground placement) as a case study, various sources of assistive device evidence were explored for their contribution to the continuum of knowledge in this area. A basic level of knowledge exists, but the quality is insufficient to inform the physical rehabilitation community on selecting from the almost 70 different devices on the market and the expected clinical outcomes for a target population. A combination of enhanced single-participant reports should be considered as an important part of the knowledge continuum and essential for knowledge immediacy. This approach must also be expanded to national and multinational database initiatives that provide a better base from which to extract knowledge on assistive device performance and mobilize this knowledge to provide optimal care for people with physical disabilities. PB - Talent First Network CY - Ottawa VL - 6 UR - http://timreview.ca/article/1018 IS - 9 U1 - The Ottawa Hospital Edward Lemaire, PhD, is actively involved with research on technologies that improve mobility for people with physical disabilities. He is a Clinical Researcher at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Development; Professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine; and Adjunct Professor in Human Kinetics, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Design Engineering. He is also active with the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics, as a board member and international congress scientific chairman. Dr. Lemaire’s research has resulted in over 350 published papers and presentations that include intelligent prosthetics and orthotics, biomechanical walking analysis in 3D virtual environments, smartphone approaches to improve decision making, and eHealth technology to enhance access to education and rehabilitation services. ER -