Physiotherapy devices able to generate ethical dilemmas

Nadinne Roman,L Slătineanu,M Coteata,O Dodun,C.E Panait,V Merticaru,A.M Mihalache,P Kyratsis,R Ibanescu,M.I Ripanu,G Oancea,G Nagit,M Boca

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201711208001

Abstract

Physical therapy is a medical specialty where the professionals help restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. This paper wishes to establish the connection between ethics, physiotherapy and bioengineering. The research method was achieved using academic database searches based on specific keywords. A SWOT analysis of the physiotherapy devices utilization and design was made, for extracting ethical considerations. The main results suggest that physiotherapy devices are able to generate ethical dilemmas, classified in 4 main items: (1) Bioengineering in physical therapy, ethical and clinical standards for manufacturers; (2) Social impact of physical therapy devices and ethical issues; (3) Inter-professional lack of communication and ethical concerns; (4) Bioengineering ethical research and education. As conclusions, for the physical therapy or electrotherapy research equipment development, a multidisciplinary team is needed. The equipment used in rehabilitation must fulfil specific technical and scientific requirements drafted by the professionals.

Highlights

Physical therapy and psychiatry are medical specialties where the professionals helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability
The main results suggest that physiotherapy devices are able to generate ethical dilemmas in design and use
The robotics and bioengineering in physical therapy area are less developed comparing with industrial robotics

Summary

Introduction

Physical therapy and psychiatry are medical specialties where the professionals helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. The rehabilitation area treats a broad scope of cases, from the brain and spinal cord injuries, to post traumatic sequelae, congenital locomotors disorders, and stroke and burn victims. These specialists coordinate a multidisciplinary team of professionals, like physical therapists, occupational therapists and collaborate with the specialized clinicians like neurologist, podiatrist, pediatrician, and other specialized doctors [1]. Physical therapy is a medical field where devices and forms of therapy used varies depending on several factors such as the type of disease, the affected tissue, bodys area or segment affected, the patient’s age or other associated pathologies like respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, blood coagulation, diabetes, rheumatoid or psychiatric disorders.

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Conclusion