The use of 3-dimensionally printed models to optimize patient education and alleviate perioperative anxiety in Mohs...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Innovation
• Patient Education

Background:

• Perioperative anxiety in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) correlates with increased postoperative pain and reduced patient satisfaction.
• Effective anxiety management is crucial for improving patient outcomes in dermatologic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a 3D-printed MMS model, alongside standardized education (SE), enhances patient understanding and reduces perioperative anxiety.
• To compare the efficacy of a 3D-printed MMS model plus SE versus SE alone.

Main Methods:

• An unblinded, randomized controlled trial enrolled 82 patients undergoing MMS.
• Patients were assigned to receive either the 3D-printed MMS model with SE or SE alone.
• Patient understanding and anxiety were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), alongside a knowledge assessment.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in understanding and reductions in anxiety.
• The 3D-printed MMS model group demonstrated a trend towards greater anxiety reduction (P=0.052) compared to SE alone.
• Patients receiving the 3D model plus SE achieved higher scores on the knowledge assessment (93.25% vs. 85.83%, P < 0.028).

Conclusions:

• A 3D-printed MMS model with SE may be a valuable tool for improving patient comprehension of the procedure.
• This educational approach shows potential in mitigating perioperative anxiety for patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery.
• Study power was limited by overestimations of baseline anxiety and recruitment rates.