Redrawing Boundaries: Systemic Impacts of Rehabilitation Robots in Clinical Care Settings

How does the implementation of robotic systems impact patient care, therapist roles, and clinical workflows in rehabilitation care? This study presents preliminary findings on the real-world implementation of the Lokomat® robotic gait therapy device in a rehabilitation hospital, focusing on the experiences of clinicians. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and direct observations, the study identifies both anticipated benefits and unforeseen challenges. Participants expressed optimism about the device's ability to extend therapy duration, improve patient outcomes, and alleviate therapists' physical workloads. However, operational realities such as time- and labour-intensive setups and staffing constraints revealed unexpected costs, both in terms of workload and logistics. The findings highlight the need for holistic implementation approaches that address both patient-centric benefits and clinician-centric challenges to ensure the sustainable adoption of robotic systems in healthcare.