Application and evaluation of 3D printing mold in spinal deformity teaching among residents

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of 3D printing mold in resident teaching of spine deformity by combining objective test and subjective evaluation. Methods The experimental control method was adopted. A total of 43 residents, who were enrolled in standardized training at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, were successively selected for this research. The experimental group received two lessons about spinal deformity in the first month at the spinal department, by using case-based learning (CBL) combined with 3D printing mold. The control group was taught with traditional CBL method at the similar time and by the same lecturers. After teaching, assessment forms were filled by residents to evaluate the effect of different teaching methods. Results For rating scales, experimental group showed higher score than control group in the aspects of pathologic characteristic, concepts and relevant measurements, anatomical structures and the principles of orthopedic surgery (all P 0.05). Objective test results were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t=2.222, P<0.05). For scoring the degree of interest to the way that the residents were taught, experimental group showed higher score than control group (t=2.313, P<0.05). Conclusions 3D individualized printing mold can improve learning outcome while improving residents’ subjective teaching evaluation and make the learning interest. The method is valuable to popularize. Key words: 3D printing; Resident; Standardized training; Spinal deformity; Evaluation