Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Despite the increasing importance of digital fabrication, of which three-dimensional printing is an important aspect, educational programs in this area have not been fully developed. To utilize three-dimensional printing optimally, occupational therapists need to be familiar with this new technology, understand its scope of application, and possess certain levels of skills for producing. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a short-term program for occupational therapy students to increase the acceptance of three-dimensional printed devices by acquiring the basic knowledge and skills of making three-dimensional printed self-help devices. The research involved an intervention study with a pre-post design. Participants comprised 112 entry-level occupational therapy students. The program consisted of two 90-minute sessions during 2019 and 2020. It included a three-part lecture series and two types of practice. The conducted pre-post questionnaires were structured into four categories: I. student profile; II. knowledge about digital fabrication technology; III. ideas and attitudes toward three-dimensional printed self-help devices; and IV. impressions and thoughts. After the program, the number of students who acquired basic knowledge of digital fabrication and who felt confident about making three-dimensional printed self-help devices significantly increased (p < 0.05). The study suggested that the program was effective and assisted occupational therapy students to understand the usefulness of this new technology and be comfortable using it.
Biography
Yusuke Harada, PhD, OTR is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.
Yuki Sawada, PhD, OTR is Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan.
Jun Suzurikawa, PhD is Laboratory Manager, Department of Assistive Technology, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.
Rie Takeshima, MS, OTR is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan.
Tomoko Kondo, PhD, OTR is Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Harada, Y., Sawada, Y., Suzurikawa, J., Takeshima, R., & Kondo, T. (2022). Short-Term Program on Three-Dimensional Printed Self-Help Devices for Occupational Therapy Students: A Pre-Post Intervention Study. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 6 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2022.060308
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