Bruland, Arren and Kim, Catharine and Woo, Mathieu and Yen, Angel (2020) 3D printing in occupational therapy: increasing integration into practice by countering barriers. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.
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Abstract
3-Dimensional Printing (3DP) is a flagrantly under-explored resource in occupational therapy (OT). After a preliminary literature review identified four barriers (application, cost, time, and education) in integrating 3DP into OT, this study aimed to challenge those ideas. Six practicing occupational therapists (OTs) from diverse settings around the world were recruited to participate in interviews that would spotlight user perspectives and 3DP utilization in practice. The results showed that the four identified barriers were preconceptions that did not align with perspectives of therapists currently using 3DP in practice. Not only are there numerous applications, the results also reflect 3DP as a valuable tool that can be used in OT. It enables therapists to creatively address client needs while adhering to clinical practices. Despite initial expenditures of cost and time when learning the skill, therapists found long-term benefits that outweighed startup investments. OTs were able to eliminate purchases of outsourced or catalogued merchandise and print items at their facilities or homes for clients. Customized 3DP items were designed from scratch or redesigned to fit client specific needs. OTs employed time saving strategies that enabled them to multitask and adapt to their available time frames. Because the majority of the participants were self-taught, many felt that educational courses should integrate 3DP courses into curricula for the potential of 3DP to be embraced by OTs across the globe. We supplemented our interview findings with additional literature drawn from relevant fields that supports the experiences of the OTs. Qualitative data demonstrates that OTs who have found applications of 3DP in their unique practice benefit from employing 3DP and are able to transform their delivery of services. By presenting the collective, lived experiences of overcoming challenges and encountering success, this study encourages non-users to try this new and revolutionary technology.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
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| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
| Depositing User: | Institutional Administrator |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jan 2022 00:48 |
| Last Modified: | 02 May 2024 21:59 |
| URI: | http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/42 |
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