SEED PROJECT - EPIC-Tech - Engineering and Physiotherapy Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Technology

About the Project

Chief Investigator: Dr Camila Shirota

Project title: EPIC-Tech: Engineering and Physiotherapy Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Technology - exploration of a transdisciplinary approach to allied health services at the PAH

Project Summary:

This project aims to explore the implementation of EPIC-Tech to help deliver rehabilitation services more efficiently. There is increased pressure on physiotherapy services to deliver more therapy with less resources. This research model will embed rehabilitation engineers in the clinical team, using a novel robotic device at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) and the Geriatric and Rehabilitation Unit (GARU) at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH). The project will provide insight into the feasibility of this model at the PAH through a case-study, considering the perspectives from patients, clinicians, and engineers that will include economic outcomes.

Expected outcomes this research will directly benefit the services and the users involved in the project, and indirectly, other rehabilitation services, as an exploratory implementation of transdisciplinary practice involving rehabilitation engineers in rehabilitation service delivery. This case study has opportunity to support future technology projects implementing this transdisciplinary, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries, and team approaches for other health conditions.