Development of a Cost-Effective 3D-Printed Airway Suction Simulator for Respiratory Therapy Students

Shih-Hsing Yang; Chao-Yu Chen; Wei-Lun Liu; Hsia-Wei Liu; Ke-Yun Chao

doi:10.4187/respcare.11277

Development of a Cost-Effective 3D-Printed Airway Suction Simulator for Respiratory Therapy Students

Respir Care. 2024 Apr 22;69(5):549-556. doi: 10.4187/respcare.11277.

Authors

Shih-Hsing Yang¹, Chao-Yu Chen², Wei-Lun Liu³, Hsia-Wei Liu⁴, Ke-Yun Chao⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Respiratory Therapy, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; and Department of Respiratory Therapy, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
² Department of Respiratory Therapy, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; and Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
³ School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; and Data Science Center, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; and Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
⁵ Department of Respiratory Therapy, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; and Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan. ck_qq@hotmail.com.

PMID: 38167213
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.11277

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed models are cost-effective and can be customized by trainers. This study designed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator for use by respiratory therapy (RT) students. The objective was to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and application of 3D-printed models in respiratory care training, aiming to enhance the educational experience for RT students.

Methods: This study developed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator that was cost-effective. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving RT students to compare effectiveness in a 3D-model group and a control group. Skill assessments and written examinations were used to evaluate the participants' knowledge and skills.

Results: A total of 38 second-year RT students were randomly assigned to either the 3D-model group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 19). One participant in the 3D-model group was lost to follow-up during the planned direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) assessment and satisfaction questionnaire completion. The posttest written examination scores were significantly higher in the 3D-model group than in the control group (100% vs 80%, P = .02). The scores from the DOPS and satisfaction questionnaire were comparable in the 2 groups.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that 3D printing can be used to create a safe and cost-effective airway suction simulator for use by RT students, with potential to enhance training methods. Further research is necessary.

Keywords: 3D printing; airway suction; medical education; respiratory therapy; training simulator.