RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Development of a Cost-Effective 3D-Printed Airway Suction Simulator for Respiratory Therapy Students
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 549
OP 556
DO 10.4187/respcare.11277
VO 69
IS 5
A1 Yang, Shih-Hsing
A1 Chen, Chao-Yu
A1 Liu, Wei-Lun
A1 Liu, Hsia-Wei
A1 Chao, Ke-Yun
YR 2024
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/69/5/549.abstract
AB BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D)–printed models are cost-effective and can be customized by trainers. This study designed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator for use by respiratory therapy (RT) students. The objective was to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and application of 3D-printed models in respiratory care training, aiming to enhance the educational experience for RT students.METHODS: This study developed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator that was cost-effective. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving RT students to compare effectiveness in a 3D-model group and a control group. Skill assessments and written examinations were used to evaluate the participants’ knowledge and skills.RESULTS: A total of 38 second-year RT students were randomly assigned to either the 3D-model group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 19). One participant in the 3D-model group was lost to follow-up during the planned direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) assessment and satisfaction questionnaire completion. The posttest written examination scores were significantly higher in the 3D-model group than in the control group (100% vs 80%, P = .02). The scores from the DOPS and satisfaction questionnaire were comparable in the 2 groups.CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 3D printing can be used to create a safe and cost-effective airway suction simulator for use by RT students, with potential to enhance training methods. Further research is necessary.