Improving therapeutic education with 3D printing models of congenital heart disease

Introduction

Explaining the anatomy and surgical repear of a congenital heart defect (CHD) during a consultation is a crucial moment for patients and their families. A good understanding of heart disease is essential for adherence to therapy and reducing anxiety. We aim to evaluate the impact of CHD 3D models on improving understanding and reducing anxiety in parents prior to surgery.

Method

Parents of children scheduled for cardiac surgery were prospectively included and randomized into 2 groups: a control group who received a conventional explanation using drawing, and a 3D group who additionally received an explanation using a 3D model of the heart defect (Figure 1). Before and after the surgical consultation, each participant completed the same questionnaire assessing knowledge and understanding of the disease and surgery (5-point Lickert scale), and the same questionnaire assessing anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-A).

Results

22 parents of 15 children were assigned to the “control group” (n = 10) or the “3D group” (n = 12). The 2 groups had comparable levels of anxiety about surgery and understanding of pathology and treatment before the consultation. With the 3D model, the level of understanding and knowledge improved significantly more than with a conventional explanation (understanding score 27.7 ± 2.3 vs. 24.8 ± 3.9; p = 0.04). At the same time, the anxiety score decreased more significantly in the 3D group (STAI Y-A score 52.0 ± 5.8 vs. 46.3 ± 7.4; p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Our preliminary results suggest an improvement in parental understanding and a reduction in anxiety prior to surgery, surpassing traditional methods of explanation. They constitute an effective tool for educating parents and managing their preoperative anxiety, thereby improving the therapeutic alliance.