Uncovering Challenges and Opportunities for 3D Printing Assistive Technology with Physical Therapists
| Autor: | Amy Hurst, Niara Comrie, Sandy Mccombe-Waller, Braxton Dubin, Erin Buehler, Karen L. Gordes, Nicholas Carter, Samantha McDonald |
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| Rok vydání: | 2016 |
| Předmět: |
medicine.medical_specialty
Class (computer programming) Multimedia Computer science Physical therapy (field) business.industry media_common.quotation_subject 05 social sciences 3D printing Fidelity 020207 software engineering 02 engineering and technology computer.software_genre 3D modeling Physical prototyping restrict Assistive technology 0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineering Physical therapy medicine 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences business computer 050107 human factors media_common |
| Zdroj: | ASSETS |
| Popis: | Physical therapists have a history of modifying and making assistive technology (AT) to fit the unique needs of their patients. However, lack of materials, time, and access to training can restrict what they can create. While 3D printing has the opportunity to empower physical therapists to develop highly customized, economical, and timely assistive technology; little is known about the feasibility of using 3D printing in a clinical setting, and how to teach and engage physical therapists in physical prototyping. We collaborated with physical therapy professors and students at a medical university to integrate 3D printing and AT design into a graduate-level physical therapy class. Our investigation showed 3D printing is a viable tool for clinical production of AT. We found opportunities and barriers to 3D printing in the physical therapy field, and we present four considerations relevant to integrating 3D printing into clinical practice: 1) exploring augmentations versus novel AT designs, 2) improvements to novice 3D modeling software, 3) adjusting for prototype fidelity, and 4) selecting 3D printing materials. This paper contributes knowledge toward the understanding of practical applications of 3D printing in a clinical setting and teaching 3D modeling to non-engineers. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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