معرفی
Brian J. Hafner is a Professor and Director of Research in the Division of Prosthetics & Orthotics at the University of Washington. He holds appointments as a professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine within the School of Medicine and serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Hafner is also a principal investigator at the University of Washington Center on Outcomes Research in Rehabilitation (UWCORR).
Dr. Hafner's educational background includes:
- PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Washington (2003)
- Prosthetics Certificate from Northwestern University (2009)
- BS in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University (1993)
Dr. Hafner's research focuses on the development, evaluation, and application of state-of-the-art outcome measures for measuring constructs such as mobility and fall-related health in people with limb loss/difference and other disabling neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. His primary research interests include development of tools to improve measurement of health outcomes in lower limb prosthesis users and evaluation of advanced prosthetic technologies intended to improve performance, function, and quality-of-life in people with lower limb amputation. He has served as principal investigator on projects funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Orthotics & Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation (OPERF), and American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).
Analysis of Dr. Hafner's recent publications reveals a strong focus on outcome measurement in prosthetics and orthotics, with particular emphasis on developing and validating patient-reported outcome measures. His work spans multiple domains including mobility assessment, fall prevention, prosthetic technology evaluation, and addressing health equity in limb loss research. A significant portion of his recent work involves the development and validation of the Orthotic Patient-Reported Outcomes-Mobility (OPRO-M) instrument and examining issues related to residual limb volume management.
Dr. Hafner has received numerous prestigious awards including:
- Research Award from the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (2022, 2008)
- Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions to O&P (2014)
- Thranhardt Lecture Award (2013, 2006)
- Thranhardt Award from the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (2013)
- Honorary Membership in the American Academy of Orthostists and Prosthetists (2011)
As an educator, Dr. Hafner teaches in the Master in Prosthetics & Orthotics (MPO) Program, with primary responsibility for RHB PO 581, Outcome Measures for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinic. His research funding includes grants from the NIH, DOD, OPERF, and AAOP, with current work aimed at enhancing the impact of health status instruments through rigorous development, psychometric evaluation, translation, and integration into electronic health record systems.
Dr. Hafner is affiliated with the University of Washington Center on Outcomes Research in Rehabilitation (UWCORR), where he conducts interdisciplinary research focused on improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with limb loss. His laboratory work often involves collaboration with engineers, clinicians, and researchers across multiple disciplines to develop innovative solutions for prosthetic and orthotic care.
