Prenatal tactile three-dimensional ultrasonography for visually impaired women

Three-dimensional printing models improves long-term retention in medical education of pathoanatomy: A randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Craniosynostosis is a rare and complex pathology, and visuospatial skills are necessary for a good understanding of the condition. While the use of three-dimensional (3D) models has improved the understanding of complex craniofacial anatomy, no study has evaluated the impact of this teaching support on long-term retention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the long-term retention of information with 3D-printed models of four types of craniosynostosis versus classic 3D reconstructions displayed in two-dimensional (2D) among undergraduate students. All students benefited from the same standardized course followed by the manipulation of the learning tool associated with the group for 15 minutes. Long-term retention was assessed by the capability to properly recognize different types of craniosynostosis 3 weeks after the course.

RESULTS

Eighty-five students were enrolled. Previous educational achievements and baseline visuospatial skills were similar between the groups. The bivariate analysis showed the mean score in the 3D and 2D groups were 11.32 (2.89) and 8.08 (2.81), respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

3D-printed models of structures with spatial complexity such as various craniosynostosis patterns improve significantly medical students' long-term retention, indicating their educational efficacy.

Using low-cost 3D-printed models of prenatal ultrasonography for visually-impaired expectant persons

BACKGROUND

For visually impaired or blind patients, the experience of pregnancy sets them apart from nondisabled people for whom viewing of the first ultrasound has become a social and emotional milestone.

OBJECTIVE

We proposed the use of 3D-printed models to allow the societal inclusion of visually impaired or blind expectant parents.

PATIENT INVOLVEMENT

Visually impaired expectant parents were proposed to touch a 3D printed sensory vector of their prenatal classic ultrasonography.

METHODS

After a classic ultrasound assessment was performed, selected volumes were processed and 3D-printed with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Patient satisfaction was recorded after they manipulated the models.

RESULTS

A total of 42 prenatal 3D prints were for 12 expectant parents, used during 20 ultrasonographic sessions with visually impaired or blind expectant parents. During 13 of them (65%), it was the mother who was affected by a visual loss whereas the father was the parent affected by the disability during 7 sessions (35%). The parent affected by the disability was congenitally blind and Braille-reader in 9 ultrasonography sessions (45%). All expectant visually impaired or blind parents expressed very significant satisfaction with the use of 3D models for inclusive use.

DISCUSSION

We have shown that acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-printed models improve the sonographic experience of visually impaired or blind expectant parents. They can thereby perform their own mental representation process by extrapolating sensory information obtained from the 3D tactile support.

PRACTICAL VALUE

These low-cost 3D-printed models improve the inclusion of visually impaired or blind expectant parents, by offering them a sensory vector of information.