Evaluation of a pilot regional neurotrauma workshop using 3D printed simulation models

Objective

Non-neurosurgeons in regional and rural hospitals may be required to operate on patients presenting with a traumatic brain injury where timely transfer to a tertiary hospital is not possible. Confidence and experience can vary significantly due to limited access to hands-on training. Increasing availability to advanced 3D printed models opens new opportunities to provide accurate head models suitable for this purpose. This study evaluated the experience of regional clinicians and nurses following a neurotrauma workshop where 3D printed head models were used to provide training in burr hole and craniotomy procedures.

Methods

A neurotrauma seminar and workshop was hosted at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, in the state of Queensland, Australia. The workshop component allowed 26 local clinicians and nurses to gain hands-on experience with a 3D printed head model, guided by neurosurgeons from the closest tertiary hospital. Following training, participants completed a short survey.

Results

Prior to this workshop, most participants had never performed a burr hole (58 %, n=15) or interacted with a 3D printed model (69 %, n=18). Overall, most participants indicated that the 3D printed model performed better (58 %, n=15) and much better (15 %, n=4) than their expectations. 81 % (n=21) left the workshop with improved confidence in performing burr hole and craniotomy procedures. Despite some melting of the plastic, 96 % (n=25) of participants would recommend this model to their colleagues.