There have been many studies outlining the positive effects for the use of 3-D printed anatomical models from a learning and procedural standpoint in medical education. However, little contemporary research has investigated these effects in the allied health or other health science areas.

Now research published in Anatomical Sciences Education by a team of Australian researchers have found that first-year osteopathic student who use 3-D printed upper limb skeletal models are more engaged and improved the students’ overall performance and learning confidence.

“Although this was not reported as often as increased confidence, students said that were able to prepare better for the assessments, which reduced their anxiety levels,” writes the team of authors from Victoria University in Melbourne. “Students commented that owning their own bones allowed them to interact with the bones in ways in which they could not otherwise, such as drawing key landmarks on them and being able to study with them at any time.”

Read: “The Impact of Three-Dimensional Printed Anatomical Models on First-Year Student Engagement in a Block Mode Delivery” in Anatomical Sciences Education.