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. 2022 Mar;6(1):13-23.
doi: 10.2217/3dp-2021-0021. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

The use of 3D-printed models in patient communication: a scoping review

Gemma Traynor  1 , Andrew Iu Shearn  1 , Elena G Milano  2 , Maria Victoria Ordonez  3 , Mari Nieves Velasco Forte  3 , Massimo Caputo  1   3 , Silvia Schievano  2   4 , Hannah Mustard  3 , Jo Wray  2 , Giovanni Biglino  1   5
Affiliations

The use of 3D-printed models in patient communication: a scoping review

Gemma Traynor et al. J 3D Print Med. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

3D models have been used as an asset in many clinical applications and a variety of disciplines, and yet the available literature studying the use of 3D models in communication is limited. This scoping review has been conducted to draw conclusions on the current evidence and learn from previous studies, using this knowledge to inform future work. Our search strategy revealed 269 papers, 19 of which were selected for final inclusion and analysis. When assessing the use of 3D models in doctor-patient communication, there is a need for larger studies and studies including a long-term follow up. Furthermore, there are forms of communication that are yet to be researched and provide a niche that may be beneficial to explore.

Keywords: 3D models; 3D printing; communication; rapid prototyping.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the British Heart Foundation (CH/17/1/32804), the Bristol BHF Accelerator Award (AA/18/7/34219) and The Grand Appeal (Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity). This study was supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol. J Wray is supported by the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. CONSORT diagram of the identification of papers from the search strategy to the final inclusion of results.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Specialties of the final included results.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Logic model for the use of 3D models for communication in medicine.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.. Summary of suggestions for study design of future research.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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