Authors (including presenting author) :
Wu HM(1), Ngan YY(1), Leung WY(1), Cheng CK(1), Wu A(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Caritas Medical Centre
Introduction :
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Service (CGAS) team provides service to elderly in residential home. With the use of evolving 3D printing technology, occupational therapist in the team optimizes continuity of care by providing tailor-making assistive device for ADL tasks.
Objectives :
To illustrate utilization of 3D printing technology in occupational therapy to enhance independency of ADL in patient under CGAS care.
Methodology :
A case study on a CGAS patient with bilateral wrist and below knee amputation: Comprehensive assessment on cognitive, physical and ADL performance was done by an occupational therapist in July 2021. Strengths and weakness of ADL performance were identified. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to understand patient’s most valued ADL tasks. Four ADL tasks with highest level of importance were listed. Self-feeding, hair combing, teeth brushing and eyeglasses wearing were included. Scores of the perceived level of importance, performance and satisfaction were rated respectively in a 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS), ranging from 1 (the lowest level of perceived importance, performance and satisfaction) to 10 (highest perceived level).
Result & Outcome :
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, an innovative and individualized assistive cuff for holding feeding utensil, comb, toothbrush and eyeglasses was designed by occupational therapist. The cuff was printed by a fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printer. Feeding, hair combing, teeth brushing and eyeglasses wearing with the use of 3D printed assistive cuff were taught to perform. COPM was used for reassessment two weeks after aids prescription. Significant improvement noted in perceived performance in all ADL tasks with the use of 3D printed aids. Level of perceived performance in hair combing and teeth brushing increased significantly from NRS 1/10 to 8/10. Perceived performance of eyeglasses wearing increased from NRS 2/10 to 7/10 while perceived performance of feeding increased from NRS 9/10 to 10/10. With the use of aids, level of satisfaction in all four ADL tasks also improved drastically. Satisfaction of teeth brushing and eyeglasses wearing increased remarkably from NRS 1/10 to 10/10 while satisfaction of hair combing increased from NRS 1/10 to 8/10. Satisfaction of feeding also increased from NRS 9/10 to 10/10.
3D printing technology can assist tailor-making assistive device based on individuals’ ADL ability and preference by occupational therapists. Compared with conventional fabrication, more accurate fitting can be offered with the use of 3D printing to provide tailor-making device. Independency and satisfaction of ADL can be enhanced in patients living in residential home with immense flexibility and possibility of 3D printed aids.
