Review of the effect of 3D medical printing and virtual reality on urology training with ‘MedTRain3DModsim’ Erasmus + European Union Project

Abstract

Background/aim: It is necessary to incorporate novel training modalities in medical education, especially in surgical fields, because ofthe limitations of cadaveric training. Traditional medical education has many drawbacks, such as residency working hour restrictions,patient safety conflicts with the learning needs, and the lack of hands-on workshops. The MedTRain3DModsim Project aimed toproduce 3-dimensional (3D) medical printed models, simulations, and innovative applications for every level of medical training usingnovel worldwide technologies. It was aimed herein to improve the interdisciplinary and transnational approaches, and accumulateexisting experience for medical education, postgraduate studies, and specialty training.Materials and methods: This project focused on models of solid organs and the urinary system, including the kidney, prostate, ureter,and liver. With 3D medical printing, it is possible to produce a body part from inert materials in just a few hours with the standardizationof medical 3D modeling.Results: The target groups of this project included medical students and residents, graduate students from engineering departmentswho needed medical education and surgical training, and medical researchers interested in health technology or clinical and surgicalanatomy.Conclusion: It was also intended to develop a novel imaging platform for education and training by reevaluating the existing data usingnew software and 3D modalities. Therefore, it was believed that our methodology could be implemented in all related medical fields.