An implementation roadmap for in-house production of patient-specific 3D printed splints in an acute care setting

Abstract

Conventional treatment of traumatic extremity injuries involves immobilization with a gypsum or, plastic cast or splint. While effective, these devices can cause complications, discomfort, and restrict daily activities. Patient-specific 3D printed splints have the potential to overcome these problems as they allow for a lightweight and open structure, enhanced aeration, improved hygiene, and wound treatment. However, their clinical implementation remains limited due to technical and logistic challenges, workflow adjustments, and regulatory constraints. To address these challenges, we developed a roadmap through multidisciplinary workshops, and the actual implementation process was performed on-site. The process focused on identifying, documenting, and discussing essential barriers. This led to categorizing challenges into essential barriers with multiple subitems. Examples include software and hardware selection for the in-house splint production. All barriers were translated into a step-by-step roadmap, specifying the stakeholders and actions. Recommendations are presented based on insights from a level-one trauma center and military-affiliated hospital in the Netherlands. End-users reviewed the final implementation roadmap through a questionnaire. The roadmap provides a structured approach to meet the requirements for implementation into both research and daily clinical practice.