3D Printing

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

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