Survey Among Students in Bratislava

A test set of 3D-printed models (scapula, mandibula, skull, heart, kidney, aorta, vertebra, femor bone etc) was produced and pilot-tested among the Faculty of Medicine students. We focused on the students of the lower years of study who just either have anatomy course of passed it recently. Over 300 students, far exceeding the original targe ot 120, participated in the testing phase. For this purpose, a questionnaire by using Google Forms was preparew with the following questions:

• Year of study
• Did you pass an exam in Anatomy?
  yes – no
• Do you recognize this structure?
  yes – no
• How useful do you find 3D printed anatomical models for understanding complex anatomical structures?
  scale 1 (extremely useful) – 5 (not useful at all)
• Do you feel that 3D printed anatomical models enhance your learning compared to traditional study methods (e.g., textbooks, 2D images, or videos)
  scale 1 (Significantly enhance) – 5 (Worse than traditional method)
• Do you find 3D printed models helpful in improving your spatial understanding of anatomical structures?
  scale 1 (extremely helpful) – 5 (not helpful at all)
• How much more confident do you feel in your ability to identify and understand anatomical structures after using 3D printed models?
  scale 1 (Much more confident) – 5 (Less confident)
• How easy is it for you to access the 3D printed models in your studies?
  scale 1 (Very easy) – 5 (Very difficult)
• Do you think availability of 3D printed anatomical models should be expanded to other areas of study or disciplines?
  yes – no
• How realistic you consider this model?
  scale 1 (Very realistic) – 5 (Not at all)
• Would you like to use similar models for learning?
  yes – no
• How often in your studies do you use 3D printed anatomical models in your studies?
  scale 1 (very often) – 5 (never)

            Feedback highlighted the models' educational value, realism, and usability, with more than 98% of students expressing a desire to use similar models in their studies, as well the same number of students were able to recognize the 3D printed models and considering them very realistic. Still, a high number of the students (almost 85%) don't have access to the 3D printed models, while they almost all of them answered that the 3D models have potential to enhance their learning abilities comparing to the traditional methods as they have very realistic spatial resolution. This indicates that our approach, that means to fabricate cost-effective anatomical structures is great method how to provide the students anatomical structures, but also to spread the message of the 3D printing among the population of young people, our future doctors, who are technologically skilled and might use this method in their future processional career like for example to print their owne models as the part of the surgery planning or demonstrating it to the patients. The success with our model sis underlined by the onset of interest to either participate in the 3D printing in our department, even to perform and create diploma thesis in this field. Thus, we might state that the pilit testing not only validated the effectiveness, but also provided actionable insight into the models we created. The final report on the survey is attaeched as an attachment to this report.