Sindhu Khanna

Understanding and addressing the uptake of Rehabilitative, Assistive and Restorative Technologies by underserved communities

In the UK, 1 in 6 people rely on rehabilitation, assistive or restorative technology to help them live independently. Technologies that are co-designed with people living with a long-term condition, and those supporting their care, can have a greater impact on independence, confidence and wellbeing.

This project seeks to explore and understand variability in the acceptance and adoption of rehabilitation, assistive and restorative technologies. The research will explore individual barriers to the use of such technologies, and identify patient groups in which technology is particularly under-utilised. Working with representative participant groups and stakeholders, the research will go on to co-create an action plan and technology design requirements to improve uptake and acceptance of technologies in underserved communities.

The project is co-funded by the NIHR Devices for Dignity HRC who specialise in the development of innovative health technologies for people with long-term conditions and have a key national role in developing technologies.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 

1. As part of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at The University of Manchester, conducted a comprehensive critical literature review focusing on the effectiveness of genetic counselling in improving patient outcomes and managing breast cancer in diagnosed women. The review aimed to evaluate current research on genetic counselling’s impact on decision-making, patient understanding of genetic risk, and subsequent effects on treatment and psychological well-being.

2. Presented a poster on "The effectiveness of AI-powered chatbots in enhancing engagement and self-management of patients with chronic illnesses" at the 12th International Festival of Public Health, University of Manchester. 

3. Worked on ‘Insilico analysis of PE/PPE family proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) for mitochondria targeting sequences' at DSKC laboratory, Miranda House, University of Delhi. 

4. Conducted an online survey and drafted a report on the impact of Covid-19 on Education, Lifestyle, Neurology & Psychology and Healthcare of Indian population. The project helped gain insight about how the pandemic impacted the healthcare of the Indian population. It provided essential knowledge about how the healthcare system worked in India before and after the pandemic.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Global Futures Scholarship Award by University of Manchester, United Kingdom | June 2023

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Scholarship Award by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India | June 2021