Clinician Insights Series 4, Episode 4
We’re delighted to be back with another series of Clinician Insights - and this one is bigger and better than ever. Our interviewees for this series had so much fascinating insight to share that this time around, we’ve brought you extra episodes with an even deeper dive into each of our interviewees’ fascinating backgrounds in O&P. If you’ve not joined us before, this blog series is brought to you by Radii, to open up conversations about digital tech and its role in clinical practice.
For this bumper series, we have been joined by Jennifer Dowell, CPO & Advisor to the O&P sector, and Brian L Ruhe, PhD, CP, Paralympian, and Senior Research Scientist at Brooks Running. Through their combined years of experience in practice and research, both in-clinic and behind the scenes at some digital giants in the O&P space, they have unique and deeply informed insight to the role digital technology has played, is taking, and its continued influence on the sector.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode and can’t wait for more, you can read and listen back to previous conversations here.
In today’s episode, we continue our chat with Jenn, discussing how their experiences in O&P have informed their careers.
What has your journey been like with O&P technology?
Jenn: In my first clinical position in California's Central Valley, I wasn't allowed to use the CAD/CAM system, which included a Provel Digitizer and ShapeMaker software. At the time, we had to pour and carve plaster and cornstarch plugs since foam blanks weren’t available, making the process messy. As a new graduate, I handled my own fabrication work without any technician support, only observing CAD technology without hands-on involvement.
Over time, I engaged with O&P technology in various roles—patient care, clinical development, education, and operations. This experience exposed me to digital solutions, clinical software, scanning devices, and fabrication methods like automated thermoforming, milling, and additive manufacturing.
Reflecting on my journey, I see that O&P technology is more than just innovation. The landscape has changed from relying on a single manufacturer to a variety of options focused on specific processes, emphasizing the importance of leveraging individual strengths.
Now, I specialize in digital solutions for the O&P industry as an advisor and consultant. My current project with the VA Office of Advanced Manufacturing allows me to build on my technological journey, reinforcing that learning is a continuous process.
What are some of the challenges to adoption you see with O&P digital technology?
Jenn: My list of adoption challenges in patient care varies based on the available resources, which can differ by region—whether globally, nationally, or even at a local level.
Historically, some of the most common digital adoption challenges have included:
Cost as a Barrier to Entry: The initial financial burden of purchasing expensive scanners and software has been significant.
Restrictive End-to-End Workflow: The lack of integrated workflows has hindered adoption.
Long Learning Curves: Becoming proficient with new technology often takes time and effort.
Implementation and Ongoing Support: Inconsistent support after implementation has been a major hurdle.
Translating Hands-On Experience: Bridging the gap between tactile, hands-on practices and digital environments remains a challenge.
Insufficient Clinical Applications: Many available applications are either underdeveloped or lack intuitive clinical interactions.
As technology evolves and the digital landscape becomes more sophisticated, my list of adoption challenges within the Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) field has also changed:
Cost: While high-end scanners remain available, the introduction of more portable and affordable scanners, along with Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, has made it easier to adopt digital workflows.
End-to-End Workflow Restrictions: New technology providers are entering the O&P space with specialized offerings—such as scanners, modification software, or tools for orthotics only and prosthetics only—allowing practices to mix and match solutions that better fit their patient care needs and business models.
Learning Curve: While the acquisition of new skills has improved, mastering the technology still poses a challenge.
Implementation Support: Although support for implementation has advanced significantly, gaps remain that can impede effective adoption.
Translating Hands-On Experience: The challenge of converting tactile skills into digital methodologies continues to be a barrier for some.
Clinical Application Development: Many applications have significantly improved how to engage with their key customer, it is still struggle to offer intuitive user experiences.
Understanding these challenges requires considering not just geographic location but also the specific resources available at the point of care.
Another factor contributing to adoption is the growing acceptance of technology in general. The transition toward digital solutions in our everyday lives has lessened the stigma and intimidation that once accompanied technological advancements. While generational shifts in the workforce play a role, we are collectively becoming more comfortable—and, indeed, reliant—on technology that enhances convenience, consistency, reliability, and efficiency in the delivery of patient care.
And briefly (because we’ll save some of this for next time!) - how can those challenges be overcome with education?
Jenn: Ding, ding, ding—education is often the key to overcoming many challenges. The pressing question remains: how do we move beyond the threshold where we currently stand?
There is a compelling case for integrating tactile methods with digital solutions. This combination has the potential to enrich the learning experience and better equip students for real-world applications. Although this topic is not frequently discussed, it is crucial that we engage in open dialogues and critically assess our current practices.
Thanks to Jenn, we’ll get more into that next time!
We hope that through following Clinicians Insights, you feel part of an ongoing conversation that furthers understanding of digital technology and research, supporting O&P practitioners who provide our patients with the best comfort, fit and socket fitting experience. If you’ve got thoughts, opinions or insight to share we’d like to hear from you; click the link below to get in touch:
We’re excited to continue the series next month for the final episode where we will dive deeper into that conversation on overcoming challenges with digital technology. Watch this space!
Speak soon,
Jenny, Josh and the Radii team.