Table 2 Example of translational research—assistive device helping blind people to see with the aid of audio and haptic inputs
From: Translational research—the need of a new bioethics approach
Phase | Aims | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
T0 | Identifying the way sensory inputs overlay at the brain level | 1. Neuroscience 2. Prospective/observational studies |
T1 | Developing audio and haptic sensors Developing software to aid the translation of audio and haptic sensors to visual inputs or aids | 3. Proof of concept 4. IT development |
T2 | Studying the usefulness of the device Measuring neural/sensory inputs/outputs | 5. Using beta testers in closed/open environments (NOT research subjects) 6. Possible medical research (bio-feedback) |
T3 | Disseminating the results to patients and clinicians | 7. Certification of the device (analysis of the risk–benefit ratio)—might be needed a clinical trial 8. Increase awareness about the technology (marketing) 9. Promote the technology to stakeholders 10. Comparing the effectiveness of the technology with others at a population level, identifying possible limitations/adverse reactions |
T4 | Changing public health policies and behaviors beyond the effects of the treatment | 11. Shift from intervention to prevention (public health campaigns, recommendations about lifestyle changes based on the results obtained from the previous phases) |
T5 | Social policies | 12. Decreasing societal disparities, improving access to healthcare for underdeveloped communities, interacting with cities in order to maximize the input |