Open AccessImpedance of Novel Therapeutic Technologies: The Case of Stem Cells
Author(s) -
Zacharias David G.,
Nelson Timothy J.,
Mueller Paul S.,
Hook C. Christopher
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical and translational science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.303
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1752-8062
pISSN - 1752-8054
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2012.00434.x
Subject(s) - biomedical technology , regenerative medicine , opposition (politics) , politics , engineering ethics , health care , healthcare delivery , context (archaeology) , translational research , disruptive technology , emerging technologies , healthcare system , health technology , stem cell , political science , medicine , computer science , engineering , biology , law , paleontology , genetics , agricultural engineering , pathology , artificial intelligence , manufacturing engineering
Embryonic stem cell (ES) technology has advanced considerably within the past three decades and has gained prominent distinction within the emerging field of regenerative medicine. As it now enters the nascent stages of clinical application, many hopes and expectations arise along with questions as to where the technology will go. This paper evaluates the technical and practical obstacles that must be overcome before it can fully translate into the clinical context, the existence of strong opposition to the technology, political and legal barriers that have impeded its progression, and the role of healthcare reform in creating new social and economic priorities. In contrast to the technological imperative, a driving force seeking to implement the most recent scientific advances into medical practice, we refer to such translational obstacles as “technological impedance.” Rather than expending inordinate effort to preserve existing systems that continue to possess major hurdles, we advocate fostering interdisciplinary approaches in the development of new generation platforms and embracing disruptive innovations that create solutions to technological impedance and move us forward in healthcare delivery. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 422–427