3D models improve understanding of congenital heart disease

INTRODUCTION: Understanding congenital heart disease (CHD) is vital for medical personnel and parents of affected children. While traditional 2D schematics serve as the typical approach used, several studies have shown these models to be limiting in understanding complex structures. Recent world-emphasis has shifted to 3D printed models as a complement to 2D imaging to bridge knowledge and create new opportunities for experiential learning. We sought to systematically compare 3D digital and physical models for medical personnel and parent education compared to traditional methods. METHODS: 3D printed and digital models were made out of MRI and CT data for 20 common CHD. Fellows and nurse practitioners used these models to explore intra-cardiac pathologies following traditional teaching. The models were also used for parent education in outpatient settings after traditional education. The participants were then asked to fill out a Likert scale questionnaire to assess their understanding and satisfaction with different teaching techniques. These ratings were compared using paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. RESULTS: Twenty-five medical personnel (18 fellows; 2 nurses; 4 nurse practitioners and one attending) and twenty parents participated in the study. The diagnosis varied from simple mitral valve pathology to complex single ventricle palliation. Parent and medical personnel perceived understanding with digital models was significantly higher than traditional (p = 0.01). Subjects also felt that physical models were overall more useful than digital ones (p = 0.001). Physicians using models for parent education also perceived the models to be useful, not significantly impacting their clinical workflow. CONCLUSIONS: 3D models, both digital and printed, enhance medical personnel and parental perceived understanding of CHD. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41205-021-00115-7.