Patient’s Opinion about using 3D-Printed Splints in Bangladesh.

Abstract

Background: The hand is one of the most important and primary organs of human body for movement. It has been estimated that around 92% tasks of daily life are being performed by hand of human being. There could be several chronic or traumatic conditions that interfere with the hand's ability to function normally. Traumatic hand conditions can result from a variety of injuries, whereas chronic hand conditions can be brought on by neuro-musculoskeletal illnesses and complaints over an extended period. Damage including fractures, joint deformity, contractures, or uncomfortable circumstances might result from these hand diseases. Splints can provide safe, gentle pressure on broken, or contractured body parts in certain situations. Splints also helps to extend muscle comfort and enhance muscular strength as well as functional mobility and improvement. Nowadays, several materials and methods are being used to make splints. In recent times, Hand Therapy Unit of Occupational Therapy Department of Centre for the Rehabilitation of Paralysed (CRP), Bangladesh has produced 3D-printed splints and provided these splints to the patients to recover from their hand injuries. Therefore, the researcher wants to know the opinion of patients who have got 3D-printed splints from Hand Therapy Unit of CRP, Bangladesh. Aim: The study aims to explore the patient's opinion of 3D-printed splints. Method: The study was conducted by qualitative study design through face to face interview among ten participants who used 3D-printed splints. The participants were chosen from the Hand Therapy unit of CRP using a purposive sampling method. A self-developed interview guide was used for conducting the semi-structured interview. The study was conducted in the participant house of different areas in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Additionally, the researcher analysed all data by following Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA). Result: Most of the participants told that they are pleased with the comfort, personalized fit & xiv light weight design of 3D-printed splints. Participants also told that the 3D-printed splints are easy to carry and safe to use. Moreover, majority of the participants expressed that their hand function improved by using this splints and they provide positive feedback to other patients to use also. However, majority of the participants found 3D-printed splints are low in price. Furthermore, the patients told that they got the instructions from the professionals on how to use the 3D-printed splints and they appreciated this service. Conclusion: The extensive use of 3D printed splints in clinical settings opens up new paths for investigation and advancement. There are several advantages to using 3D printed splints in clinical settings, such as increased personalization, patient involvement, and chances for research and development. To enhance treatment results and patient satisfaction, additional involvement may involve refining design parameters, investigating innovative materials and manufacturing processes, and incorporating sophisticated sensing and monitoring capabilities. According to patient feedback, these splints are lighter, more comfortable, and more adjustable than conventional splints. However, 3D printed splints are not available in all areas of the country. Therefore, to ensure that patients are able to recover quickly from hand injuries using 3D-printed splints, the authority should focus on increasing its supply at Community Clinic level. Keywords: Occupational Therapy, Hand Therapy, Hand Injury, 3D Printer, Splint.