Business practices efficiency: Impact of integrating digital technology on clinical P&O practices

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is on the path to transforming the approach to Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) manufacturing. Although digitalization of limbs and other body parts is not new to the field, it has not been widely accepted by the industry for various reasons. However, the reliability and precision that AM can attain, and the availability of various materials is improving rapidly. This professional opinion article discusses the ways that AM has changed P&O services, with a specific focus on prosthetic socket manufacturing. Digitalizing P&O services will eventually change the business model used in clinics, which is further explored here.