Abstract
Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is an untapped resource within OT. To encourage interest and implementation of 3DP in OT, this study explores current literature regarding the perceived barriers and supplements findings through interviews with OTs currently using it. Our research showcases the applications and feasibility of 3DP's adoption into practice. This study intends to bring awareness to a modern tool that can help address society's occupational needs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Dennis Chen
Additional Authors and Speakers: Elizabeth Mance, Sarah E. Anderson
Contributing Authors: Carmen DiGiovine, Bethany Frick, Ashley Stojkov, Sandra A. Metzler, and Lisa Juckett
The use of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) has shown efficacy and promise in professional fields. Yet the lack of 3DP prevalence in Occupational Therapy (OT) literature denotes clinicians may be facing difficulties in adopting or may not be fully aware of the benefits this technology has to offer. The purpose of this study is to explore the common obstacles with integration of 3DP technology in the OT clinical setting, and combat those perceived barriers by showcasing the experiences of current users. The perceived barriers will be reassessed with literature extracted from related fields as well as interviews from the OTs currently incorporating it in their practice. Authentic experiences and insight garnered from the first-hand accounts of the OT professionals in this study will bring awareness to the applications and feasibility of integrating 3DP in various OT settings. This phenomenological study consists of two parts. First, a literature review is drawn from relevant fields to support utilization of 3DP in OT. Articles with direct associations to 3DP were collected from multiple medical databases. Articles were then organized to address the four perceived barriers from the preliminary literature review. Second, OT professionals were recruited using online 3DP communities, articles, AOTA forums, and OT references. A combination of stratified and convenience sampling was used to obtain participants from different settings who have been utilizing 3DP for at least a year. Participants were interviewed using open-ended questions on the four barriers and about overarching experiences in their respective fields. Interviews from the participants were compiled and analyzed to investigate thematic perspectives and experiences. Our interviews with therapists showed positive opinions on the outlook of 3DP in OT practice. In regards to cost, therapists echoed their 3DP endeavors as a source of cost savings, and the initial startup expenditure was modest in comparison to the cost of off-the-shelf supplies. The literature supports reduced cost per item and notes alternatives that minimize financial commitment (Wagner et al., 2018; Paterson et al., 2014). Therapists backed the literature in commending the applications of 3DP within practice through it's customizable ability to fill a gap in creating therapeutic products (Buehler et al., 2015). Perception of time tends to waver between sources in relation to learning, designing, and actual printing. Learning 3DP is explained by the interviewed OTs as a self-motivated trial and error process. Yet, with emerging classes within OT programs and in public learning modalities, interviews and literature indicate 3DP education is growing (Hudson, Alcock, Chilana, 2016). Integration of 3DP into practice is not only attainable but also valuable to the future of the field. Our findings provide avenues for innovation that inspire visionary changes in the constantly adapting field that is occupational therapy. Perceived barriers dissuading therapists from attempting this technology are not aligned with the perspectives of OTs currently using it. These OTs have not only found successful applications of the tool, but also ways to mitigate certain hindrances in cost, education, and time consumption. Literature also points to the rise of educational resources and formal instruction as contributions to the feasibility of 3DP utilization. Ultimately, 3DP grants OTs the ability to improve the quality of lives of the clients we serve by directly addressing client specific occupational needs with highly customizable solutions.
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