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Innovating Nursing Education Through 3D Technology: Development of a Congenital Heart Defect Model
Stephanie L Schaller1, Teresa Bowers, Lonnie J Rosier
1About the Authors Stephanie L. Schaller, DNP, APRN, is an assistant professor, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina. Teresa Bowers, DNP, APRN, CNEcl, is an assistant professor, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina. Lonnie J. Rosier, MLIS, is operations manager, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina. Kate K. Chappell, PhD, APRN, CNE, is a professor, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina. This project was supported by a grant from the University of South Carolina. For more information, contact Dr. Schaller at schalles@mailbox.sc.edu .
Nurse educators can innovate by using 3D printed models to teach complex patient conditions, enhancing student understanding and clinical judgment. This approach requires collaboration and structured testing for successful implementation.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Medical Technology Innovation
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Nurse educators are pivotal in driving innovation by integrating clinical knowledge with new technologies.
- Teaching complex medical concepts, like congenital heart defects, presents challenges in student comprehension and engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of three-dimensional (3D) printed manipulatives in nursing education for teaching complex patient conditions.
- To assess the potential of 3D printed models to enhance student understanding and kinesthetic learning in managing congenital heart defects.
Main Methods:
- Developing and utilizing 3D printed manipulatives for educational purposes.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary partners for technical development and patenting processes.
- Implementing a structured pilot testing and refinement approach for the educational tools.
Main Results:
- 3D printed manipulatives offer enhanced visual and kinesthetic interactions, deepening student understanding of patient conditions and interventions.
- The integration of technology facilitates a transition from concept to sustainable educational practice.
- Purposeful planning and technological leverage are key to realizing educational innovations.
Conclusions:
- Nurse educators can effectively leverage emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, to create innovative teaching tools.
- These tools improve nursing students' insights and clinical judgment regarding complex patient management.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic development are crucial for successful technological adoption in nursing education.
