Evaluating the Use of Cleft Lip and Palate 3D-Printed Models as a Teaching Aid

Publication date: Available online 30 August 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Ahmad B. AlAli, Michelle F. Griffin, Wenceslao M. Calonge, Peter E. Butler
ObjectiveVisualization tools are essential for effective medical education, to aid students understanding of complex anatomical systems. Three dimensional (3D) printed models are showing a wide-reaching potential in the field of medical education, to aid the interpretation of 2D imaging. This study investigates the use of 3D-printed models in educational seminars on cleft lip and palate, by comparing integrated "hands-on" student seminars, with 2D presentation seminar methods.SettingCleft lip and palate models were manufactured using 3D-printing technology at the medical school.ParticipantsSixty-seven students from two medical schools participated in the study.DesignThe students were randomly allocated to 2 groups. Knowledge was compared between the groups using a multiple-choice question test before and after the teaching intervention. Group 1 was the control group with a PowerPoint presentation-based educational seminar and group 2 was the test group, with the same PowerPoint presentation, but with the addition of a physical demonstration using 3D-printed models of unilateral and bilateral cleft lips and palate.ResultsThe level of knowledge gained was established using a preseminar and postseminar assessment, in 2 different institutions, where the addition of the 3D-printed model resulted in a significant improvement in the mean percentage of knowledge gained (44.65% test group; 32.16%; control group; p = 0.038). Student experience was assessed using a postseminar survey, where students felt the 3D-printed model significantly improved the learning experience (p = 0.005) and their visualization (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThis study highlights the benefits of the use of 3D-printed models as visualization tools in medical education and the potential of 3D-printing technology to become a standard and effective tool in the interpretation of 2D imaging.



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