3D Printing

Latest revision as of 18:26, 23 January 2024

3D Printing in Healthcare Settings: Overview and Best Practices

Introduction

3D printers are revolutionary tools that bring digital models or scans into the physical realm. While the technology has been available for several years, it has become more affordable, accessible, and applicable across various industries, including healthcare settings such as local libraries, schools, and individuals owning 3D printers for as little as a few hundred dollars. In the healthcare context, 3D printers have limitless potential, serving as not just a "toy factory" but also as a resource for adaptive and medical education equipment, personalized keepsakes from bereavement experiences, and much more.

3D Printing Process

The typical steps involved in 3D printing, from start to finish, include the creation of a 3D model, conversion into sliceable code, the printing process, and post-processing. Each step presents various options and a learning curve, making decisions about the printer, software program, and 3D model crucial. This complexity makes 3D printing an ideal tool for Game Techs, offering flexibility and bandwidth that other hospital programs may lack to fully utilize this technology.

3D Model Creation

A 3D model is a digital representation of a three-dimensional object, surface, or scene created using specialized computer software, primarily computer-aided design (CAD). These models are essential in 3D printing, providing the digital instructions necessary for the printer to create a physical object.

Best Practices

FDM vs SLA in Healthcare Settings

In non-clinical pediatric healthcare settings, two suitable 3D printing technologies stand out: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).

FDM: This widely used process involves extruding thermoplastic filaments through a heated nozzle, building up the physical model layer by layer. FDM is popular for its simplicity, low cost, and versatility. It is suitable for the non-clinical healthcare setting due to its simplified workflow and minimal post-processing needs.
SLA: Utilizing a UV layer to cure a liquid resin layer by layer, SLA offers more detailed and complex geometries with finer features and smoother surfaces. However, it requires a more in-depth and time-consuming post-processing procedure, involving potentially harmful liquid solutions.

While FDM is a good initial fit for non-clinical healthcare settings, program-specific needs and accommodations may influence the choice of 3D printing technology.

Models/Scans as PHI

Considerations related to Protected Health Information (PHI) are crucial in 3D printing. General rules of thumb include:

3D Scans

Concerns arise from photographing and converting 2D images into 3D renders.
Identifiable features, whether facial scans or fingerprints, may fall under PHI/HIPAA concerns.

Printing Patient Data

When printing personalized data/models (e.g., patient scans, bereavement/legacy items), consider who may see the end product, especially when displayed to patients, families, and guests.

Storage of Patient Data

Ensure data storage adheres to hospital guidelines and rules, with metadata anonymized to protect patient information.
Be cautious if using cloud storage solutions, considering the risk of data leaks and the need for security measures.

Consent forms are recommended to ensure compliance with hospital procedures and standards regarding PHI and HIPAA. For more information on HIPAA cloud-computing and general HIPAA security guidance

While many hospitals have various operating procedures and standards, consent forms are always a safe step in ensuring and protecting staff and the hospital in a similar capacity as to when photography and videography is used.

Recommended Uses

Normalization/Play

A 3D printer can serve as a fun way to engage and play with hospitalized patients.
Printing fun models or fidgets can provide a positive impact, especially for long-term admissions or frequent fliers.
Encourage patients and families to come up with unique ideas and preferences for 3D-printed items.

Medical Play/Education

3D printing allows the creation of models for medical play and education, offering concrete experiences for children to explore medical items.
Models can be used to simulate medical tools and procedures, enhancing the educational experience for young patients.
Collaborate with Child Life Specialists to identify items that would be most useful in medical play sessions.

Adaptive Equipment

3D printing offers a cost-effective solution for creating adaptive equipment for patients with specific needs.
Consult with child life, rehabilitation, or orthotics teams to identify current needs and deficits.
Simple tools like grips can be beneficial in art or music therapy sessions, enhancing the patient's ability to participate in various activities.

Legacy/Bereavement Items

3D printing can provide unique and powerful keepsakes for families in memory-making processes.
Collaborate with social workers, chaplains, or child life specialists to explore how 3D printing can be integrated into legacy-building and bereavement experiences.
Establish clear referral systems, realistic timelines, and print limits to ensure a sustainable and supportive process for families.

By following best practices and exploring recommended uses, 3D printing can become a valuable tool in healthcare settings, offering innovative solutions for patient care, education, and emotional support.

Policies & Procedures

Sanitizing

Given the rare necessity for direct interaction with a 3D printer in a patient's room, day-to-day cleaning and sanitizing are not major concerns. Regarding models, prints are typically inexpensive, so those given to patients should be treated as giveaways and will not be sanitized.

Models of Printers

Various brands and styles of 3D printers are available. Explore the link above to review models used by other programs, understanding the positives and negatives associated with each.

Software

The process of transforming a digital model into a physical 3D printed item involves different types of software. Refer to the link above to learn about the software used and get details on specific programs.

Filament

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers utilize rolls of filament as their material source, and there are several types, each with ideal usages, strengths, and limitations. While the link above provides details on common types, keep in mind that advancements are made each year, and other unique products may be available to best suit your needs. Click the link above for more detailed information.

Adaptive Equipment (Continued)

3D printing serves as a cost-effective solution for crafting adaptive equipment tailored to the specific needs of patients.
Collaborate with child life, rehabilitation, or orthotics teams to identify current needs and deficits.
Simple tools like grips can significantly benefit art or music therapy sessions, enhancing the patient's ability to participate in various activities.

Additional Resources

Example Text

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Summary ==
+== 3D Printing in Healthcare Settings: Overview and Best Practices ==
-D printers are tools to help bring 3D models or scans into the real world. While the technology has been present for numerous years, it has only been in the past few years that this technology has been available to the consumer market. Becoming more affordable, accessible, and applicable to almost every industry (e.g., local libraries, schools, and even individuals owning a 3D printer for as little as a few hundred dollars). In the healthcare setting, these machines have near limitless use potential from simply being a fun "toy factory", unique end product for an art/design project, resource for adaptive and medical education equipment, a personalized keepsake from a bereavement experience or several other uses your team or adjacent departments can dream up.
-The most common steps involved with 3D printing, from start to finish, is the creation of a 3D model, conversion into a sliceable code, printing, and post processing. For each step, there are a variety of options, and subsequent learning curve that makes picking a printer, software program, and 3D model an important decision. Which is why it is a tool that perfectly fits the role of Game Techs, as most other hospital programs may not have the flexibility or bandwidth to tackle the education needed to fully utilize a 3D printing initiative within the healthcare settings.
+== Introduction ==
+D printers are revolutionary tools that bring digital models or scans into the physical realm. While the technology has been available for several years, it has become more affordable, accessible, and applicable across various industries, including healthcare settings such as local libraries, schools, and individuals owning 3D printers for as little as a few hundred dollars. In the healthcare context, 3D printers have limitless potential, serving as not just a "toy factory" but also as a resource for adaptive and medical education equipment, personalized keepsakes from bereavement experiences, and much more.
-A 3D model is a digital representation of a three-dimensional object, surface, or scene created using specialized computer software. 3D models can be used for a variety for purposes, such as animation, gaming, prototyping, simulation, and visualization. Computer-aided design (CAD) is the primarily type of software application used to design, modify, analyze, and optimize designs in a virtual environment. 3D models are integral in 3D printing, it is the digital instructions that a 3D printer needs in order to create a physical object.
+== 3D Printing Process ==
+The typical steps involved in 3D printing, from start to finish, include the creation of a 3D model, conversion into sliceable code, the printing process, and post-processing. Each step presents various options and a learning curve, making decisions about the printer, software program, and 3D model crucial. This complexity makes 3D printing an ideal tool for Game Techs, offering flexibility and bandwidth that other hospital programs may lack to fully utilize this technology.
-==Best Practices==
+=== 3D Model Creation ===
-'''FDM vs SLA in Healthcare Settings'''
+A 3D model is a digital representation of a three-dimensional object, surface, or scene created using specialized computer software, primarily computer-aided design (CAD). These models are essential in 3D printing, providing the digital instructions necessary for the printer to create a physical object.
-There are a wide variety of commercially available 3D printing processes, that utilize a variety of techniques and materials to create a physical object from a digital model. In the non-clinical pediatric healthcare settings, there are two suitable technologies that standout: fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA).
+== Best Practices ==
-FDM is the most widely used and works by extruding thermoplastic filaments, through a heated nozzle to rapidly heat and cool plastic, building up the physical model layer by layer. FDM is the most popular process because offers the most simplicity, low cost, and versatility. Through FDM, a printer uses string-like plastic (known as filament) to print parts with layer height accuracy of 100-200 microns (0.1-0.2 mms) and minimal post-processing needs.
+=== FDM vs SLA in Healthcare Settings ===
+In non-clinical pediatric healthcare settings, two suitable 3D printing technologies stand out: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).
-SLA uses a UV layer to selectively cure a liquid resin, creating a physical object layer by layer out of a pool of liquid plastic. SLA primary difference from FDM, is that it uses light and liquid technology to develop parts with layer height accuracy as small as 25 microns (0.025mm), offering more detailed and complex geometries with finer features and smoother surfaces. However, this requires a much more in-depth and timely post-processing procedure in order to safely handle the final product. Known as curing and washing, these steps use potentially harmful liquid solutions that require ventilation, gloves, and other protective equipment.
+* FDM: This widely used process involves extruding thermoplastic filaments through a heated nozzle, building up the physical model layer by layer. FDM is popular for its simplicity, low cost, and versatility. It is suitable for the non-clinical healthcare setting due to its simplified workflow and minimal post-processing needs.
+* SLA: Utilizing a UV layer to cure a liquid resin layer by layer, SLA offers more detailed and complex geometries with finer features and smoother surfaces. However, it requires a more in-depth and time-consuming post-processing procedure, involving potentially harmful liquid solutions.
-Overall FDM is likely the best initial fit for use in the non-clinical healthcare setting, as it has a simplified workflow process and does not require extensive safety accommodations. However, every program is different in needs and accommodations, so it is helpful to know if your hospital program has alternative locations/workshops/etc - potentially opening the door to the variety of 3D printing technologies available.
+While FDM is a good initial fit for non-clinical healthcare settings, program-specific needs and accommodations may influence the choice of 3D printing technology.
-'''Models/Scans as PHI'''
+== Models/Scans as PHI ==
+Considerations related to Protected Health Information (PHI) are crucial in 3D printing. General rules of thumb include:
-(This section will be a general rule of thumb, please remember to always check with your specific hospital's guidelines and rules for topics on PHI/HIPAA). PHI concerns primarily come in the following form:
+=== 3D Scans ===
-* '''3D Scans'''
+* Concerns arise from photographing and converting 2D images into 3D renders.
-** The primary concern with scans regards the act of photographing and converting 2D images of the patient (whether it be partial body, full body, with/without family members, etc) into 3D renders. From facial scans to fingerprints, there are many identifiable features that may or may not fall under PHI/HIPAA concerns.
+* Identifiable features, whether facial scans or fingerprints, may fall under PHI/HIPAA concerns.
-* '''Printing Patient Data'''
+=== Printing Patient Data ===
-** Many programs display the 3D printer and ongoing printing process to patients, families, and guests. When printing personalized data/models (e.g., patient scans, bereavement/legacy items, etc) please keep in my who may be able to see the end product.
-* '''Storage of Patient Data'''
+* When printing personalized data/models (e.g., patient scans, bereavement/legacy items), consider who may see the end product, especially when displayed to patients, families, and guests.
-** The largest concern lies in how data is stored, what is stored, and who has access to it. Metadata used to label the 3D model/file should always be anonymized (e.g., patient name, date of birth, etc). Other considerations, many 3D printing slicers, programs, and companies are moving to a cloud storage solution, which increases the security risk for data leaks and the need for the cloud service providers on behalf of healthcare providers to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI stored. For more information on [https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/cloud-computing/index.html HIPAA cloud-computing] and general [https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/index.html HIPAA security guidance]
+=== Storage of Patient Data ===
+* Ensure data storage adheres to hospital guidelines and rules, with metadata anonymized to protect patient information.
+* Be cautious if using cloud storage solutions, considering the risk of data leaks and the need for security measures.
+Consent forms are recommended to ensure compliance with hospital procedures and standards regarding PHI and HIPAA. For more information on [https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/cloud-computing/index.html HIPAA cloud-computing] and general [https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/index.html HIPAA security guidance]
 While many hospitals have various operating procedures and standards, consent forms are always a safe step in ensuring and protecting staff and the hospital in a similar capacity as to when photography and videography is used.
@@ Line 36: / Line 44: @@
 ==Recommended Uses==
 ===Normalization/Play===
-A 3D printer can simply be a fun way to engage and play with a patient while they are hospitalized. The "wow" factor is typically enough to ice break most interactions and there are numerous fun and free models available on the internet to print favorite characters, and fun fidgets. It is also can be a great expression tool where a patient can create a 3D model in [[Tinkercad]] or in a VR sculpting program and then have the physical end product. This can be great for extended admissions or "frequent fliers" to have long term projects to work on while hospitalized. Patients and families will often come up with fun and unique ideas once they wrap their head around what a 3D printer can do, so ask away! Below are some examples shared by numerous programs:
-* A 3D scan of a siblings face was added to a generic game piece and used in numerous games the patient and sibling would play over video chat.
+* A 3D printer can serve as a fun way to engage and play with hospitalized patients.
-* A patient explored options for IV line management, as they were often frustrated as things would get tangled and independently found carabiner clip models to print.
+* Printing fun models or fidgets can provide a positive impact, especially for long-term admissions or frequent fliers.
+* Encourage patients and families to come up with unique ideas and preferences for 3D-printed items.
+=== Medical Play/Education ===
-===Medical Play/Education===
+* 3D printing allows the creation of models for medical play and education, offering concrete experiences for children to explore medical items.
-Medical play and education is large aspect of how a Child Life Specialists can help a patient and their family cope with being in the healthcare environment. Utilization of real medical materials is particularly helpful as it gives a concrete experience for the child and allows them to explore what actually be used for their care, thus making it less surprising/scary. However medical items are typically expensive and unique items such as trachs or g-tubes are in limited supply for teaching and typically the patient is not able to keep said item after an education session. Using 3D printing, models of these items can be printed to real life specs and used in sessions with patients who in turn can keep them at bedside to continue medical play even after the CCLS has left the room. Models can also be scaled up to explore aspects in greater details or scaled down to fit teddy bears or medical dolls. While the exact textures and colors may be different then the real models, 3D printed models will still provide a positive impact. Meet with your child life team to explore what items would be most utilized and explore modeling the item yourself or use program curated collections list below.
+* Models can be used to simulate medical tools and procedures, enhancing the educational experience for young patients.
+* Collaborate with Child Life Specialists to identify items that would be most useful in medical play sessions.
 *[https://www.printables.com/@LurieChildren_642788/models Models created at Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago]
@@ Line 48: / Line 59: @@
 ===Adaptive Equipment===
-Adaptive equipment is often expensive and at time difficult to obtain in the health care setting. While some devices are complex and tailored to the individually, others can be fairly simplistic and universal. 3D printing allows a quick/cheap resource for patients and can help them participate in other distracting/normalizing activities while hospitalized. These devices may be only needed temporarily if a patient is simply weak from treatment/recovery or preeminent due to a diagnosis or injury. It will likely be beneficial to consult your child life, rehabilitation, or orthotics teams to explore current needs/deficits. That being said simple tools like grips can be helpful in art or music therapy sessions and there are numerous options that can be utilized with gaming and other tech that would be utilized gaming focused bedside sessions. Here are a few models or curated collections that may be helpful.
+* 3D printing offers a cost-effective solution for creating adaptive equipment for patients with specific needs.
+* Consult with child life, rehabilitation, or orthotics teams to identify current needs and deficits.
+* Simple tools like grips can be beneficial in art or music therapy sessions, enhancing the patient's ability to participate in various activities.
 *[https://www.printables.com/@LurieChildren_642788/models Models created at Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago]
@@ Line 55: / Line 69: @@
 ===Legacy/Bereavement Items===
-D printing can provide unique and powerful keepsakes in memory making for a family. This is a difficult and nuanced experience which often has social workers, Chaplins, or child life specialists being the main emotional support during these experiences. Touching with these teams or your hospital palliative care department is a good first step to explore how 3D printing can help during the experiences. From there it is important to establish a referral system, realistic time lines, and print limits for this process to be sustainable. Often one may be tempted to be over accommodating due to weight of these interactions, but having clearly defined and upheld limits is important. We have listed some common model type/techniques that programs use in Legacy Building/Bereavement referrals.
-'''Lithophanes'''
+* 3D printing can provide unique and powerful keepsakes for families in memory-making processes.
+* Collaborate with social workers, chaplains, or child life specialists to explore how 3D printing can be integrated into legacy-building and bereavement experiences.
+* Establish clear referral systems, realistic timelines, and print limits to ensure a sustainable and supportive process for families.
+By following best practices and exploring recommended uses, 3D printing can become a valuable tool in healthcare settings, offering innovative solutions for patient care, education, and emotional support.
 == Policies & Procedures==
-'''Sanitizing'''
-It is rare that direct interaction with a 3D printer would be necessary for a patient or patient's room, so ignoring day to day cleaning, sanitizing is not a concern. As for models, prints are typically inexpensive so models given to patients should often be treated as giveaways and will not be sanitized.
+== Sanitizing ==
+Given the rare necessity for direct interaction with a 3D printer in a patient's room, day-to-day cleaning and sanitizing are not major concerns. Regarding models, prints are typically inexpensive, so those given to patients should be treated as giveaways and will not be sanitized.
+== Models of Printers ==
+Various brands and styles of 3D printers are available. Explore the link above to review models used by other programs, understanding the positives and negatives associated with each.
+== Software ==
+The process of transforming a digital model into a physical 3D printed item involves different types of software. Refer to the link above to learn about the software used and get details on specific programs.
-==[[Models of 3D Printers|Models of Printers]]==
+== Filament ==
-There are several different brands and styles of 3D printers. Visit the link above to explore models used by other programs and explore positives and negatives of each.
+Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers utilize rolls of filament as their material source, and there are several types, each with ideal usages, strengths, and limitations. While the link above provides details on common types, keep in mind that advancements are made each year, and other unique products may be available to best suit your needs. Click the link above for more detailed information.
-==[[3D Printing Software|Software]]==
+== Adaptive Equipment (Continued) ==
-The steps of taking a model to a physical 3D printed items requires a few different types of software. Visit the link above to learn about what software is used and details on specific programs.
-==[[Filament]]==
+* 3D printing serves as a cost-effective solution for crafting adaptive equipment tailored to the specific needs of patients.
-Fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers use rolls of filament as their material source and are several different types that each have ideal usages, strengths, and limitations. Below are some of the most common types used, but advancements are made each year, so other unique products may be available/best fit for your needs. Click link above for more detail.
+* Collaborate with child life, rehabilitation, or orthotics teams to identify current needs and deficits.
+* Simple tools like grips can significantly benefit art or music therapy sessions, enhancing the patient's ability to participate in various activities.
 ==Additional Resources==
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