Impact of 3D-Printed Anatomical Models on Doctor-Patient Communication in Orthopedic Consultations: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Effective communication between doctors and patients is essential for treatment adherence and better clinical outcomes. Although 3D printing has advanced in medicine, its impact on doctor-patient communication still requires further investigation. This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of 3D anatomical models as a tool to facilitate communication in orthopedic consultations. This randomized clinical trial was conducted between May 2024 and September 2024, with 46 patients randomized into two groups: 21 patients received medical explanations with the aid of 3D models, and 25 without. Patients' knowledge was assessed before and after the consultation, and the quality of communication was measured using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). In the group using 3D models, 76.19% of patients reported improved knowledge of their conditions, while in the group without models, the increase was 52.00%. Additionally, 14 out of 15 CAT parameters showed statistically significant differences between the groups, with p-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.021. The use of 3D models significantly improved patients' understanding and facilitated communication with doctors, proving to be an effective tool for explaining complex medical conditions.

Keywords: anatomical models; health communication; orthopedics; patient education as topic; physician-patient relations; three-dimensional (3d) printing.