The time is now: A FASTER approach to generate research evidence for technology-based interventions in the field of disability and rehabilitation

Abstract Current approaches for generating “high quality” research evidence for technology-based interventions in the field of disability and rehabilitation are inappropriate. Prevailing approaches often focus on randomized controlled trials as standard and apply clinical trials practices designed for pharmaceuticals; such approaches are unsuitable for technology-based interventions, and counterproductive to the goals of supporting people with disabilities and creating benefit for society. This communication is designed to: (1) Advocate for the use of alternative approaches to generating evidence in the development and evaluation of technology-based interventions; (2) Propose an alternative framework and guiding principles; and (3) Stimulate action by multiple disciplines and sectors to discuss, adopt, and promote alternative approaches. Our F ramework for A ccelerated and S ystematic T echnology-based intervention development and E valuation R esearch (FASTER) is informed by established innovation design processes, complex intervention development, evaluation, and implementation concepts, and our collective experiences in technology-based interventions research and clinical rehabilitation practice. FASTER is intended to be meaningful, timely, and practical for researchers, technology developers, clinicians, and others who develop these interventions and seek evidence. We incorporate research methods and designs that better align with creating technology-based interventions and evidence for integration into practice. We propose future activities to improve the generation of research evidence, enable the selection of research methods and designs, and standards for evidence evaluation to support rigour and applicability for technology-based interventions. With this communication we aim to improve and advance technology-based intervention integration from conception to use, thus responsibly accelerating innovation to have greater positive benefit for people and society.