Introduction
Why are we asking for your help?
The James Lind Alliance (JLA) brings individuals with lived experience, carers, clinicians, and researchers together to agree the research questions that matter most. This survey is the very first step: we want to hear your unanswered questions about implanted brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) so that, later this year, all stakeholder groups can work together to rank them in order of importance.
What exactly do we mean by an implanted BCI?
Implanted Brain-Computer Interfaces are devices that interface with the central nervous system to restore lost motor and/or sensory capabilities for people living with motor impairments (e.g., limb weakness, amputation, or speech impairments).
In other words: A brain-computer interface is an implanted device that records signals from the brain or spinal cord and translates that activity into control commands for devices like smartphones, laptops, or robotic prosthetic limbs. These signals may also help to restore functions such as speech or limb movement. Some systems additionally use electrical stimulation to send signals back to the body, enabling users to experience sensations like touch or pressure.
This definition helps to limit the scope of the Priority Setting Partnership. This definition DOES NOT include deep-brain stimulation systems, epilepsy monitoring systems, or neurorehabilitative therapies that do not record and translate motor intentions.
How the survey works
1. Tell us about yourself (individual with lives experience, carer, clinician, etc.) - this helps us check we have heard from everyone.
2. Write your unanswered questions, that you think research needs to answer, in the boxes provided.
Examples: "How should clinical benefit be assessed after receiving a BCI?" OR "How long must a patient stay in hospital following BCI implantation?"
3. Submit as many separate questions as you wish. If you are unsure whether a question is “allowed”, or has already been answered by research, include it anyway. Our information specialists will check the existing evidence later.
Need some more information on BCIs first? Have a look at our short Educational Poster (click here) and come back when you're ready!
Thank you for helping to shape the future of BCI research!