Establishing a Point-of-Care Virtual Planning and 3D Printing Program

Area of Science:

• Medical technology
• Surgical innovation
• Point-of-care manufacturing

Background:

• Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing are increasingly integrated into clinical practice.
• Patient-specific anatomical models and surgical guides enhance surgical care for complex cases.
• Innovations are making VSP and 3D printing more accessible to hospitals of all sizes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the establishment of a point-of-care (POC) 3D printing program.
• To outline the necessary components for implementing VSP and 3D printing services.
• To highlight the advantages of insourcing 3D printing within healthcare institutions.

Main Methods:

• Discussing capital equipment requirements for 3D printing.
• Defining institutional structures for VSP and 3D printing programs.
• Identifying operational personnel and skill sets needed.
• Exploring financial considerations for POC manufacturing.

Main Results:

• Insourcing VSP and 3D printing leads to quicker turnaround times.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary teams foster increased innovation.
• Centralized POC 3D printing offers cost-efficient investment for institutions.
• Established programs improve multidisciplinary communication, surgical planning, and patient consent.

Conclusions:

• Establishing a POC 3D printing program requires careful planning regarding equipment, structure, and personnel.
• Insourcing VSP and 3D printing transforms surgical care for complex patients.
• Point-of-care manufacturing enhances efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare.