Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Biomedical Engineering
Date Submitted: Sep 8, 2018
Open Peer Review Period: Sep 12, 2018 - Nov 7, 2018
Date Accepted: Feb 17, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Barriers and facilitators for the clinical use of bioprinted cartilage: a qualitative study on the stance of orthopedic surgeons.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Over the past 60 years, none of the techniques used in the treatment of cartilage disorders have been completely successful. Bioprinting provides a highly anticipated, novel alternative solution to this problem. However, identifying the barriers that this new technology will encounter is crucial to addressing and overcoming them when bioprinting reaches the implementation stage. This kind of research has been declared essential because clinical efficacy and safety studies alone do not always lead to successful implementation.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to explore the stance of orthopedic surgeons regarding the use of bioprinted cartilage grafts for cartilaginous lesions, by means of a qualitative study. The study sought to summarize and classify the barriers and facilitators of this technique, and to identify the key factors that need to be considered for the successful implementation of bioprinted cartilage in routine clinical practice.
Methods:
The qualitative thematic analysis method was used to evaluate the data obtained from semi-structured interviews and data from focus groups. Data were collected between June 2017 and February 2018. The interviews focused on the collection of expert opinions on bioprinted cartilage.
Results:
The perceived barriers to the adoption of this technology were: 1) awareness of a lack of information on the status and possibilities of this technology; 2) uncertainty regarding compliance with current healthcare regulations and policies; and 3) demands for clinical evidence. The facilitators were: 1) lack of surgical alternatives; 2) perception that research is the basis of the current health system; and 3) the hope of offering a better quality of life to patients.
Conclusions:
The key factors identified in this study will provide a frame of reference that will help understand the challenges and help facilitate the transition towards the clinical use of bioprinted cartilage. The findings of this study will also provide information for use at multidisciplinary meetings in scientific societies; create bridges between researchers, orthopedic surgeons, and regulators; and open up a debate on the funding of this technique and the business model that will need to be developed.
Citation
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Copyright
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