Human anatomy is an essential component of medical education (ME). The literature indicates potential benefits of 3D printed models in aiding medical students to learn important spatial relationships, especially for complicated anatomical structures. Despite these stated benefits, there appears to be a lack of access to 3D printing resources at the ME level. We sought to evaluate our ME population at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (VCU-SOM) to gain insight into their perceptions regarding 3D printing technology.
After IRB approval a brief 12 question survey was distributed to first to fourth year VCU-SOM students. Survey was obtained anonymously and gathered information regarding perceived utility and barriers to using 3D printing in anatomy courses.
A total of 50 students responded to the survey. The majority of students (50%; n=25) were in the 2nd year of their studies followed by 20% (n=11) of 1st year medical students. Most all (98%; n=49) had heard of 3D printing before, however just under half (48%; n=24) had heard of 3D printing being applied in medical education. Most all students (92.3%; n=36) believed there is perceived value in 3D printing key anatomical structures for ME purposes and 97.8% were interested in incorporating 3D printed models in their studies of human anatomy. Leading perceived barriers to implementation of 3D Printing technology and approach in their educational setting included: cost (78.3%; n=36), dedicated time (54.4%; n=25), lack of familiarity (45.6%; n=21), and administration burdens (41.3%; n=19). Despite these barriers, most respondents (73.3%; n=33) expressed a desire for utilization of the technology to help teach nervous system anatomy (brachial plexus for example), cardiovascular system (71.1%; n=32) and bone-based anatomy (66.7%; n=30).
Learning Objectives:
- Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the literature supporting 3D printing in medical education
- Upon completion, participants will be able to describe medical student's perceived barriers to implementation of 3D printing
- Upon completion, participants will be able to list the needs of medical students, gaps in medical education, and applications of 3D printing in medical education
