Stereolithography 3D printer apparatus was acquired from our department in order that students perform the whole 3D printing process. Small groups (2-3 students) were formed. Besides the main steps of image segmentation and 3D visualization and surgery simulation additional practical exercises were introduced and accomplished (Figure 1) in small groups.
Original base hands on training at PC
CT image segmentation,
3D visualization and surgery simulation,
New implemented items in Rapid Prototyping technologies section
· Generation and export of STL files,
· Object placing
· Support generation & slicing
· Printing process
· Post processing
· Print removal
· Print washing
· Support removal
To evaluate the learning outcome of the new extended hands on training, a self-assessment questionnaire was performed in summer term 2019 (Figure 2). Questions referred to whole process of the segmentation, production and finishing of medical models by means of 3D printing.
Eligible assessment participants were students of the Bachelor's degree program of Radiological Technology at the University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, who had previously attended the courses on computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy. 15 students took part in the survey.
Distribution:
5 students of 3rd semester,
3 students of 4th semester,
3 students of 5th semester,
4 students of 6th semester
The self-assessment questions referred to theoretical bases and hands-on training in the subjects of:
computed tomography scan parameters, image segmentation, basics of Computer Aided
Surgery planning and 3D-Printing technologies.
Questionnaires were evaluated by descriptive statistical methods. Survey results were encouraging, outcomes in the area of Rapid Prototyping technologies were improved, regarding the item: commonly used Rapid Prototyping technologies for medical applications, solely two negative responds were measured (Figure 3).
In order to improve the learning outcome, course contents may change and develop in the future; nevertheless solely 15 participants took part in the survey, therefore it might be necessary to repeat the survey trough a longer period of time in order to get more reliable results.