Purpose: To evaluate the ability of a 3D-printed uterine model to teach intrauterine device (IUD) insertion to Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn) clerkship students.
Background: 3D printing has become a commonly available resource on university campuses and is often free when used for academic purposes. There are no published reports of 3D-printed uterine models being used within OB/Gyn clerkship training.
Methods: A 3D-printed uterine model and a standard “coaster” uterine model were both used in IUD training sessions at clerkship orientation. A previously published survey (Bartz et al. 2016) was adapted to evaluate students’ experiences with the models pre- and post-training using Likert scales. The paired T-test was used to determine the difference in mean scores before and after the session. The study was approved by the IRB.
Results: 54 of 64 (84%) enrolled clerkship students completed both the pre- and post-tests at three clerkship orientation sessions between November 2019 and February 2020. After the training session, students felt more comfortable placing an IUD independently in a model uterus (mean 4.59, SD 0.52) than before (mean 1.5, SD 0.89), T(53)=21.6, p < 0.0001. More students preferred learning on the 3D-printed model (83%) than on the coaster model (7%), while 9% had no preference or did not answer that question.
Discussions: Training sessions at clerkship orientation are an effective method of teaching IUD placement to medical students. Medical students prefer learning IUD placement using a 3D-printed uterine model. Additional opportunities to utilize 3D printing in medical education should be explored.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Student, Resident, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, UME, Simulation, Contraception or Family Planning,
Daniel Saris, MD, Pennsylvania Hospital; Holly Cummings, MD, MPH
