Abstract

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing is being widely adopted by the medical industry. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of 3D printing technology in NHS trusts across the UK. Data was collected through a survey using the freedom of information act. The survey revealed that 53 NHS trusts (∼25 %) across the UK are utilising the technology, with a diverse range of strategies and applications. The most common application was the creation of guides and models, used for pre-operative planning, intraoperative guidance, and educational purposes. The study also highlights the regulatory and ethical considerations involved in 3D printing in healthcare. The findings indicate that there are no 3D printing specific standards or guidelines being followed for medical devices and therefore underscores the need for clear and consistent regulatory guidelines to be established. As the 3D printing technology continues to advance, its applications in healthcare are expected to expand rapidly, warranting further research into its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere00346
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalBioprinting
Volume41
Early online date3 Jun 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2024

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Freedom of information
  • ISO standard
  • NHS hospitals
  • Regulation

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