The advent of digital 3d modeling techniques can help medical students improve anatomical comprehension and surgical training
Key Takeaways:
- Many medical students struggle to gain a proper understanding of anatomical structures and their spatial relationships, and 3D technology can be leveraged to neutralize this problem
- When students engage with 3D holographic models built from actual patient data, they develop a better sense of patient anatomy
- The interactive design of 3D holographic images gives students an individual approach to learning with better outcomes
- Intravision XR is a digital 3D medical imaging solution that offers full anatomic visualization through holography that can be used by medical, nursing, and physiotherapy students
Among all the fields of professional qualification, health sciences demand the highest standards of education. Health sciences students often find themselves in critical situations involving human lives, and it is of pivotal importance to impart the best possible training to these future health care professionals.
3D technology is a tool with valuable applications in healthcare and medical education. The technology can be leveraged to improve learning outcomes in medical schools.
Why 3D modeling techniques are the need of the hour in medical schools
In a study, many medical students admitted they lacked a complete understanding of the spatial relationships of anatomical structures. These students had received standard medical school instruction, including dissections.
Anatomy is one of the most crucial subjects in medical education. The ability to have a correct mental visualization of anatomical structures is a key skill for accurate diagnosis and competent surgery. If med students are finding it difficult to fully grasp patient anatomy, that can become a major weakness in their professional careers. However, 3D technology may be the answer.
3 ways 3D technology can bolster medical education
3D technology can give students additional learning channels. The technology helps overcome study weaknesses, which will eventually result in a better healthcare workforce.
Let’s look at three of the ways 3D tech can improve medical education.
- Better perception of patient anatomy and the spatial relationships between organs
The standard method of training students via manuals and dissections can leave a learning void. Questionnaires given to students to gauge their anatomy knowledge have exposed a lack of confidence.
Traditionally, med students have access to cadavers to help visualize anatomy in the gross lab — where all the learning is supposed to take place. However, students have to deal with many constraints, such as limited time, that hinder the learning process. Cadaver funding is also diminishing, and many have shifted and settled organs that may not accurately represent the anatomy of an alive human body. All these factors call for the adoption of innovative ways of learning.
The most viable solution to the anatomy education problem lies in introducing students to interactive 3D holographic images of patient organs.
The availability of 3D software specially designed to present medical imaging data in the form of 3D models is a promising development for medical education. Holographic models of patient anatomy allow much more elaborate anatomical study and give medical students a better understanding of anatomical structures, internal organs, and their spatial relationships.
Research conducted in 2019 analyzed different studies that compared advanced 3D visualization methods with traditional methods of anatomy education. The research found 21 studies that reported data on the higher effectiveness of using 3D methods. The research also found 12 studies concluding that 3D visualization techniques are better learning methods than traditional methods. The results of the research suggest that, in general, 3D methods brought improved learning outcomes.
- Better sense of how to go about surgery
3D images are being used in medical education to better train students to operate on patients. The technology can provide students a virtual sense of performing a surgery.
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine realized the potential of 3D technology and made sure the students reap its benefits.
The Dean of Preclinical Medicine at the college, Dr. David Lenihan, was watching a documentary when he got the idea of using 3D technology for med students. The documentary was analyzing an injury of a tortured criminal by using 3D technology.
Dr. Lenihan arranged a full 3D display for medical students and found that student training was markedly improved as a result. Students are now getting a much better hang of surgical procedures, which has drastically improved the quality of surgery education at the college.
Dr. Lenihan believes that 3D technology is an opportunity to advance medical education and revolutionize the way anatomy is taught.
- An opportunity for students to take an individual approach to learning
Interactive 3D medical models engage medical students with a personal approach toward learning. The option of interactive manipulation of the 3D models not only gives students a better understanding of organs and their spatial relationships but also encourages a self-paced approach.
The students no longer have to deal with manuals and pre-planned dissections to acquire knowledge. They can thrive in a learning environment that has fewer constraints and more freedom. Additionally, students feel excited and motivated to use novel visualization methods for learning anatomy.
Surveys have also shown that medical students prefer to use three-dimensional visualizations for their anatomy studies.
Intravision XR is a digital 3D modeling tool for medical imaging. It automatically visualizes fully formed 3D models from CT and MRI scan datasets. These models not only show anatomical details but also spatial relationships between organs and internal structures.
The Intravision XR software visualizes 3D models that are correct both internally and externally. The models are viewable from multiple platforms.
Intravision XR is the go-to option if you are looking to enhance the educational facilities at your institute. Contact us here for further information.
