Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-29-2025
Abstract
Background: Reconciling echocardiographic images with heart anatomy in sonographic cross-sections is challenging. We compared use of 3D-printed heart models to 3D Portable Document Format (PDFs) heart models as learning aids in understanding echocardiography. Methods: 3D heart models were printed in five echocardiographic cross-sections: parasternal long axis, parasternal base short axis, parasternal ventricular short axis, apical four-chamber, and bicaval. Models were also reproduced as 3D PDFs on handheld tablets. Medical students were assigned to use 3D PDFs (control) or 3D-printed models (experimental) while performing transthoracic echocardiograms on standardized patients. Students were given immediate (after one session) and delayed (after four sessions in two months) post-tests measuring satisfaction, learning quality, and echocardiographic knowledge. Analysis was conducted using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing with a p-value threshold of 0.05, followed by post-hoc testing with adjustment for multiple comparisons when indicated. Results: One-hundred fifty students were surveyed. The experimental group reported greater satisfaction and learning quality relative to the control for the immediate and delayed periods (p < 0.01). Satisfaction and learning quality decreased in the control group from the immediate to the delayed period (p < 0.01); no difference was found in the experimental group. No difference in group echocardiographic knowledge scores was found with respect to the assigned 3D technology (p = 0.091). The control group’s knowledge score increased from the immediate to the delayed period (p < 0.01); no difference was found for the experimental group (p = 0.238). Conclusion: 3D PDF and 3D-printed heart models achieve similar efficacy in supplementing student learning of echocardiography. However, students may prefer 3D-printed heart models.
Keywords
echocardiography, medical education, three-dimensional technology
Language
English
Publication Title
Medical Science Educator
Funder
Sears think[box] Faculty Fellowship Fund, Case Western Reserve University
Rights
© The Author(s) 2025. This is an Open Access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Sarnaik, K.S., Ramasamy, V., Qua, K. et al. Comparing the Effectiveness of Digital 3D PDF vs. 3D-Printed Heart Models as Learning Aids for Echocardiography in Medical Students. Med.Sci.Educ. 35, 1983–1992 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-025-02392-x
Manuscript Version
Final Publisher Version