The cost-benefits analysis of 3D modeling completed by the 3D Technologies Program at BC Children’s Hospital was conducted following the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. This study analyzed nine thoracoabdominal tumor cases submitted by clinical teams to the 3D technologies program for either virtual or physical modeling between 2021 and 2022.

To assess the costs of the 3D modeling program, a time-driven, activity-based costing approach was used to estimate the direct and indirect costs associated with the program for each of the cases. The cost analysis only assessed costs that fall on those paying for the program and did not assess the costs of the broader healthcare system, or costs of the patient or their family. These costs evaluated included labor costs for the model development and deployment which were estimated using standard pay scales in addition to non-labour costs . 

Additionally, non-cost outcomes and benefits of the 3D models were analyzed by conducting post-case interviews with the clinical care team based on analysis of activities that occur over the treatment process for a thoracoabdominal tumor. These surveys aimed to help the research team better understand the relevance of the models, how they impacted the knowledge and confidence of the clinical care teams, and how they impacted surgical performance and outcomes.