3D printing has many useful applications in healthcare, and is a quickly developing area of research. In 2018, the BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) introduced its 3D technologies (3DT) program, where models are used for diagnosis, planning and practicing surgeries, education, research, and more.

Our goal is to evaluate the impact of BCCH’s 3DT program, to show how 3D printing can be used in pediatric healthcare, and to highlight specific areas of impact in healthcare for kids. We also want to understand the beliefs of healthcare workers using 3D printing, and how they decide whether to use 3D models when caring for patients.

We produced a survey with the goals of:

• identifying signs that 3D printing will be helpful in a specific area
• identifying trends in the use of 3D printing
• considering the views of healthcare workers towards 3D printing
• exploring if, how, and why healthcare workers choose to use 3D printing.

After every 3D printed case, we asked the healthcare workers who used the models (including doctors, radiologists, and surgeons) to participate in our survey and answer some questions about their experiences. After collecting responses, we analyzed results to better understand the impact and value of 3D printing.  

We found that most of the 3D models in our study were used to help healthcare workers plan and prepare for surgeries. In this process, 3D models were most useful for specialists and surgeons. Our models were seen as accurate, and saved surgeons from the need to mentally model out parts when in the operating room. Almost all respondents said the 3D models were helpful to use, and added value to their work.