Every surgeon is familiar with the scenario, whether you’re in orthopedics, cardiology, neurosurgery or traumatology. The surgery has been mapped out, you’re confident in your approach but the patients are unsure whether to consent because the case is complex and the procedure is hard for them to understand. They are desperate not to make the wrong decision. The delay is frustrating for the surgeon and stressful for the patient.

The reason that surgeons sometimes struggle to explain their surgical plan in a way that patients will understand is that the only patient-specific tools they have at their disposal are 2D medical scans of their anatomy which can be difficult to understand, even for surgeons. Using them to educate patients about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of an operation is often challenging, to say the least.

3D models vastly improve understanding

A much more effective tool for describing a surgical plan is a 3D model derived from a CT scan. Using this powerful visualization tool, the surgeon can take the patients inside their anatomy and clearly explain what the procedure involves.

Through holding and physically exploring the model, patients can solidify their understanding and make a fully informed decision about the surgery.

Where patients have the responsibility of making life-altering decisions for them selves, it’s essential that they are given the very best chance of fully understanding the planned surgical procedure.

3D models increase patient conversion

Improving patient conversion rates is a goal for all hospitals, primarily because it leads to better patient outcomes. But it also impacts on the efficiency of the hospital and on its vital revenue streams that enable it to continue to deliver world-class healthcare.

The use of 3D printed models of a patient’s anatomy has been shown to have a positive effect on patient conversion. In one survey, patients in 98% of cases felt that the 3D model greatly improved their understanding of the proposed surgery.