Exploration on application of 3D printed models in the orthopedic clinical internship teaching at basic-level hospital

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of 3D printed skeletal model in orthopedic clinical in-ternship teaching. Methods From October 2015 to October 2016, 30 undergraduate clinical medical internship students were divided into traditional teaching group and 3D model teaching group randomly. 1 teaching ward round was conducted for each student. Teaching rounds were conducted according to routine procedures in traditional teaching group, while the 3D model teaching group used the patient's 3D print skeletal model to assist in teaching rounds and perform simulated surgery. All students were tested in theory and practice, and the teaching evaluation was carried out by questionnaire. Data were imputed into SPSS 19.0 for comparison between the two groups using t-test. Results Students in 3D model teaching group significantly outperformed than those in traditional teaching group in theoretical achievement [(92.27±4.56) vs. (86.87±5.30)] and practical achievement [(90.07±4.61) vs. (82.53±5.03)] (P<0.01). In respects of pro-moting theoretical knowledge, enhancing surgical participation, hands-on ability exercise, teaching attraction and overall satisfaction, students in 3D model teaching group gave a better evaluation of teaching they had received than those in the traditional teaching group (P<0.01). Conclusion 3D printed skeletal model is an effective teaching tool, and its application in clinical internship teaching at basic-level hospital can signifi-cantly improve teaching effectiveness and satisfaction. It is worth further exploration and promotion. Key words: 3D printed models; Basic-level hospital; Orthopedics; Clinical internship teaching