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From scans to 3D models: How patients benefit from 3D printing at the point-of-care

  • Writer: chetarpa yipyintum
    chetarpa yipyintum
  • Apr 30
  • 4 min read
Benefits for patients of on-site point-of-care 3D printing. Over 90% of patients understand better with 3D models. Make more informed decisions about their healthcare. Achieve a higher level of satisfaction with their overall healthcare experience

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling lost in a sea of medical jargon, struggling to visualise your diagnosis or the steps of an upcoming procedure? Deciphering complex medical conditions from flat scans and static x-rays can often leave patients feeling confused and disempowered.


But what if there was a tangible way to bridge this gap in understanding?


Meticuly’s Factory-in-a-Box offers that solution: an in-house 3D printing capability for hospitals. This innovative approach empowers doctors to create life-like, three-dimensional models that precisely replicate a patient's unique anatomy. By holding and examining a physical representation of their own body, patients gain a clearer, more intuitive understanding of their condition and the planned treatment, leading to enhanced education and more confident decision-making.


The impact of this technology is becoming increasingly evident. A recent study highlighted that a significant 84% of clinicians reported using 3D-printed objects as a powerful tool to educate patients about their conditions and the intricacies of their expected procedures. Furthermore, these clinicians overwhelmingly rated the importance of having in-house 3D printing capabilities as remarkably high (9.2 out of 10), underscoring the immense value of readily accessible 3D printing facilities within a hospital setting (Kveller et al., 2024).


This positive feedback from clinicians is mirrored by patient experiences. Another study revealed that over 90% of patients agreed that these patient-specific 3D printed models significantly improved their comprehension of their injuries and, crucially, boosted their confidence in both the proposed treatments and the surgeons involved. Beyond understanding, 87% of patients reported feeling more empowered and having greater self-efficacy in navigating their healthcare journey thanks to the tangible nature of the 3D models (Zhao & Yam, 2024). Interestingly, research has shown that the perceived effectiveness of these models transcends age groups, indicating a universal benefit for patients seeking to understand their health (Zhao & Yam, 2024).


The Mayo Clinic, a leader in point-of-care additive manufacturing, echoes these findings. They emphasise that holding a 3D model makes it significantly easier for patients to grasp complex anatomy, particularly in cases like revision surgeries or congenital conditions affecting the spine. As Dr. Jeremy L. Fogelson, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic, explains, "When we look at 2D images on a screen, we see one slice at a time and then have to do a lot of mental juggling to reconstruct those slices into a real-life image." The ability to physically interact with a 3D model eliminates this abstract interpretation, providing a concrete understanding.


Here's why 3D-printed models are such a game-changer:


  • Enhanced Visualisation: Unlike traditional 2D scans and x-rays, 3D models provide a tangible, three-dimensional view of a patient's anatomy. This allows for a clearer understanding of complex medical issues.

  • Improved Communication: Doctors can use the models to pinpoint specific areas of concern, explain treatment options, and walk patients through the steps of a procedure in a more interactive and engaging manner.

  • Increased Patient Engagement: The tangible nature of 3D models fosters a more active dialogue between patients and their doctors. This empowers patients to ask questions and feel more involved in their treatment decisions.


The benefits of improved patient understanding and effective doctor-patient communication are extensive and well-documented (Traynor et al., 2022). When patients have a clearer grasp of their condition and proposed treatment plan, they can:


  • Make more informed decisions about their healthcare.

  • Experience reduced anxiety and stress related to their condition.

  • Feel more empowered to participate actively in their treatment journey.

  • Achieve a higher level of satisfaction with their overall healthcare experience.


As the Mayo Clinic's experience demonstrates, point-of-care 3D printing streamlines the creation of these valuable tools, making them readily available for patient consultation. Their Anatomic Modeling Laboratories highlight how radiologists and biomedical engineers collaborate to create accurate, patient-specific models directly from imaging data, ensuring that the physical representation truly reflects the individual's anatomy.


3D printing is rapidly revolutionizing the way doctors communicate with their patients. By offering a more visual, tangible, and interactive approach to understanding complex medical information, it is undeniably paving the way for a future where patients are more empowered, more informed, and ultimately experience improved healthcare outcomes.


Enhanced patient experience is just one of the many benefits that the Meticuly’s Factory-in-a-Box brings to healthcare. Partnering with Siriraj Hospital, a leader in Thai medical excellence, we're proud to bring this innovative in-house 3D printing solution to life.

Stay tuned for further updates on Meticuly’s Factory-in-a-Box and its impact on patient care!




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