Pilot Study on Integrating 3D-Printed Models Into Undergraduate Medical Education for Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing 3-dimensional (3D)-printed heart models in the education of medical students in a Canadian Medical School.Methods: Three types of 3D-printed modelsdnormal, unrepaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and surgically repaired adult TOFdwere provided for medical students in their second year of training after a 30-minute lecture.The repaired TOF model depicted a transannular patch, ventricular septal defect closure, and right ventricular outflow tract resection.Knowledge acquisition was measured by comparing pre-and postsession tests consisting of 5 questions.Learner satisfaction ratings were measured with questionnaires completed after the session.A statistical analysis was performed using the t test.Results: Twenty-two medical students participated in the study with 20 students submitting complete data for analysis.The students' score on 5 questions improved after the 3D-printed model session.The average number of correct answers in the test was 2.1 AE 1.0 before the session and 4.3 AE 0.9 after the session (P < 0.001) out of the possible total of 5. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction (86.4%), understanding (86.4%), and usefulness (90.9%) with the incorporation of 3D-printed models in the educational session.Conclusions: An educational session that integrated 3D-printed anatomic models to teach congenital heart disease anatomy significantly enhanced knowledge outcomes.Learner assessment of the impact of the use of the 3D models was highly favourable.

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