Utilizing a 3D Printed Model of the Mediastinum to Teach Thoracic Anatomy to Medical Trainees

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomic models are increasingly being developed for medical education. The investigators sought to compare the efficacy of a 3D printed model of the mediastinum as a study tool with standard textbooks for teaching medical trainees thoracic anatomy. Participants were randomly assigned to either a lecture using a standard anatomy textbook or the same lecture along with a 3D printed model of the mediastinum. Participants took a timed pre-test and post-test, identifying 12 mediastinal structures on a prosected human cadaver. Independent and dependent t-tests were used to compare individual and group improvements respectively. A subjective assessment was also performed.

Official Title
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Utilizing a 3D Printed Model of the Mediastinum to Teach Thoracic Anatomy to Medical Trainees

Conditions
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Anatomy Teaching Methods

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: 3D Mediastinum Model


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Medical trainee Exclusion Criteria: none
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No Intervention: Textbook Cohort<br>Trainees underwent a 10-minute lecture using two-dimensional (2D) images of the mediastinum selected from standard textbook resources. The lecture carefully reviewed the mediastinal anatomy reflected in the prosected cadaver and provided a variety of 2D axial, coronal, and sagittal images. | |
| Experimental: 3D Model Cohort<br>Trainees underwent a 10-minute lecture using two-dimensional (2D) images of the mediastinum selected from standard textbook resources. The lecture carefully reviewed the mediastinal anatomy reflected in the prosected cadaver and provided a variety of 2D axial, coronal, and sagittal images. Upon completion of the didactic session, the 3D model cohort was provided with an additional 10-minute interactive lecture reviewing the same focused mediastinal anatomical structures using the 3D model. | Other: 3D Mediastinum Model<br>* The 3D model cohort was provided with an additional 10-minute interactive lecture reviewing the same focused mediastinal anatomical structures using the 3D model.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Improvement from pre-test to post-test | Participants took a same-day timed pre-test and post-test, identifying 12 mediastinal structures on a prosected human cadaver. Independent and dependent t-tests were used to compare individual and group improvements respectively | Up to 1 year | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subjective Evaluation | Medical trainees were given a subjective assessment on the perceived benefit of the model | Up to 1 year |