1. FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Exploring the Potential of 3D Printing for Customized Adaptive Device Construction
Corey Dugan-Barrett, MOTS;1 Jeremy Kugler, MOTS;1 Jodie Lewis, MOTS;1 Taylor Peña, MOTS1; Faculty Adviser: Janet M. Powell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA;1 Community Mentor(s): Beth Ripley, MD, PhD;2 Vanessa Roberts, OTR/L, CHT;2 Thomas Hirschler, OTR/L;2 Mary Matthews-Brownell, OTR/L, CHT3
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; 2VA Puget Sound Healthcare System-Seattle, Seattle, WA; 3VA Puget Sound Healthcare System-American Lake, Tacoma, WA
INTRODUCTION
The Veterans Administration of Puget Sound is part of a nationwide VA network that is establishing the use of 3D printing in a variety of healthcare applications. Puget Sound VA is one of the first sites to work directly with occupational therapists in the use of 3D printing for generating custom adaptive equipment. Standardized adaptive equipment cannot always meet
the complex needs of people with disabilities and fails to incorporate the user into the design process, contributing to device abandonment about one-third
of the time. One way to address this concern would be to use 3D printing.
This technology opens the door to the co-creation of assistive technology devices with clients, as multiple design iterations can be accomplished in a short period of time.
HAMBURGER HELPER DESIGN
FINAL PRODUCTS
Hamburger Helper: The current prototype of the hamburger helper fits the majority of the client’s original needs and is a functional device.
Pulse Page: The creation of the Pulse Page provides an accessible resource for OTs within the VA. It includes our literature review, project steps, the interview process, our interview example, commonly addressed challenges, a list of 3D printing resources, and the current VA application of 3D printing. Our personal journey serves as an example of how utilizing 3D printing could be done as a collaboration between OTs and engineers. The Pulse Page is now accessible nationwide through the VA platform.
Step 1: Client Interview and Activity Analysis
- Discover issues with currently available device
- Structured interview of clients
- Analyze activity, context, and environment
- Outline client wants and needs
Step 2: Design
- Create list of design requirements
- Brainstorm potential solutions
- Determine core concepts for design
- Sketch and prototype with cardboard
PROJECT GOALS
Define the OT’s unique role in using 3D printing for the construction of adaptive equipment within the VA
Create a “hamburger helper” assistive device that will allow two Veterans with limited upper extremity function to eat a hamburger in a satisfying manner
Partner with engineers to establish design concepts and generate CAD files
Advocate for client needs and functional abilities within the project team
Create a resource page on the VA network website
Provide a detailed account of our process to serve as an example for OTs in the VA of how to approach creating a 3D printed adaptive device
Identify specific 3D printing resources and knowledgeable personnel within the VA
Step 3: Prototyping Hackathon
- Present designs to engineering teams
- Explain necessary and desirable features
- Provide feedback on initial CAD designs and
cardboard prototypes
- Collaborate to move toward a united vision
FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Continue future iterations of the hamburger helper
Ensure that an OT will follow up with our second client to evaluate the current device’s ability to meet his needs and continue with the prototyping process if necessary
Inform VA OTs about the new Pulse Page resource and incorporate it into the VA Network’s on-boarding training of new sites
Add new information to the Pulse Page as the technology develops and new resources emerge
Step 4: Trial and Iterations
- Meet with Veteran for trial
- Present prototypes and explain use
- Analyze function of devices while being
trialed by Veteran
- Receive user feedback
- Collaborate on next-step solutions
REFERENCES
Jafri, R. & Ali, S.A. (2015, July 27-30). Utilizing 3D printing to assist the blind. Proceedings of the 2015 International Conference on
Health Informatics and Medical Systems (HIMS 2015), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 55–61.
Lunsford, C., Grindle, G., Salatin, B., Dicianno, B.E. (2016). Innovations with 3-dimensional printing in physical medicine and
rehabilitation: A review of the literature. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 8(12): doi: /j.pmrj.2016.
Janson, R. (2015). 3-D Printing: Shaping the future of occupational therapy practice. OT Practice. Technology Special Interest
Newsletter, 25(4), 1-4.