Learning program enhances rehabilitation professionals' perceived ease of using 3d printing: a pilot randomized...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Technology
• Medical Education
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• 3D printing technology offers potential for customized assistive devices in rehabilitation.
• Rehabilitation professionals require training to effectively integrate new technologies into practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a learning program on rehabilitation professionals' perception of 3D printing technology.
• To assess the perceived ease of use and integration of 3D printing in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study randomized 27 rehabilitation professionals into a control or an 8-week intervention group.
• The intervention included lectures, discussions, and workplace implementation of 3D printing.
• Perception was measured using the Japanese version of the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM-J) questionnaire pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in perceived ease of use of 3D printing technology (p=0.012, r=0.75).
• Between-group analysis confirmed a significant additional improvement in the intervention group (p=0.027, r=0.43).
• All intervention participants successfully produced 3D-printed customized assistive devices.

Conclusions:

• A structured learning program can positively enhance the perception and perceived ease of use of 3D printing among rehabilitation professionals.
• 3D printing technology holds promise for developing customized assistive devices within rehabilitation settings.
• Further adoption of 3D printing in rehabilitation is supported by improved technical perception and practical skills.