Finding Needs Outside of the ORMarquette University

Jay Goldberg, PhD, PE

2015 BME-IDEA – Tampa, FL

Program Elements

• In many clinical immersion programs, students shadow surgeons to observe procedures, identify unmet clinical needs

• Many needs exist outside of the hospital– Patients (home, workplace)– Caregivers– Dentists– Physical therapists (clinics)

2015 BME-IDEA – Tampa, FL

Novel Feature/Best Practice

• Students presented results of assistive technology senior design projects at AMC Support Group meetings in 2012 and 2014

• Students, instructor, and pediatric physiatrist (MCW) conducted 1 hr needs finding session with families

• Identified common needs; served as list for future projects

2015 BME-IDEA – Tampa, FL

20142012

2015

2015 BME-IDEA – Tampa, FL

Outcomes• Instructor benefits:

– Helped identify common needs– Served as basis for future projects

• Student benefits:– Develop perspective on needs of people with

disabilities– Gain experience with alternate needs finding

opportunities (non-clinical)

• Additional market segments:– Home healthcare, nursing home care,

dentistry, PT and rehabilitation