Beyond Boundaries: PICO-Driven Design Criteria for Robotic Rehabilitation Medical Devices

The inter- and intra-fields translation of knowledge related to research methods, procedures and best-practice strategies developed within the constraints of a given sector may represent a fundamental source of virtuous cross-contamination, enhancing the innovative spin of effective approaches and promoting the optimization of resources and of their use. The PICO framework is a well-known and widely adopted model, primarily used in evidence-based practice to formulate clinical questions and guide research in healthcare. In this paper, the PICO framework is evaluated from a new perspective, specifically as a valuable tool for identifying the necessary criteria in the design of medical devices intended for robotic rehabilitation, particularly but not exclusively for hand rehabilitation. This new application of the model can help ensure that devices are developed with consideration for the specific needs of patients and the characteristics of their rehabilitation. The proposed study concurs to address the SDG3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages). Finally, a practical application of the framework is presented, highlighting the strengths and limitations of this approach. This analysis is intended to provide meaningful insights for the design of more effective devices and to improve the outcomes of robotic rehabilitation.