Application of additive manufacturing for a sustainable healthcare sector: Mapping current research and establishing future research agenda

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), an Industry 4.0 technology, is revolutionizing healthcare continuously for the welfare of society. This study aims to perform a systematic review of AM literature in the healthcare sector to analyse the current state of the art and provide future research directions. The study provides a detailed analysis of AM applications in the sector along with key trends in literature, the benefits of AM adoption, and the barriers to its implementation. Then, using CIMO (Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome) logic, the study provides an AM capabilities framework to assist the planning and decision-making of stakeholders. The study also uses the TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics and Methodology) framework to identify gaps in the literature and provides potential future research directions. Findings reveal that AM can provide timely and customizable healthcare solutions at affordable prices. The study has valuable theoretical, managerial, and social implications that can help improve patients' quality of life and bring social change, thus accelerating its widespread adoption.