EP01.61: Impact of physical models of fetal heart on prenatal care

To evaluate how 3D physical models of fetal heart enhance the understanding and emotional well-being of pregnant women. A multidisciplinary team utilised advanced 3D printing technology to create 4 distinct cardiac models. To enhance the educational experience, each model was also produced in a version magnified 5 times its normal size. The study engaged a group of 15 pregnant women, among whom five were expecting babies diagnosed with fetal congenital heart disease, and 10 were carrying fetuses without heart anomalies. After undergoing echocardiographic evaluations, these women, along with their partners, completed a semi-structured questionnaire designed to capture their insights and emotional responses to the 3D models. This questionnaire aimed to determine the effectiveness of the models in enhancing their understanding of both normal and diseased fetal hearts. The integration of 3D models in prenatal evaluations significantly improves maternal understanding of fetal cardiac anomalies, fostering a stronger emotional bond between mother and fetus. Better comprehension of the condition may lead to more informed medical decisions, reduced anxiety, and enhanced prenatal care quality. Preliminary results indicate an improvement in understanding and emotional engagement among participants, highlighting the potential of 3D models as educational tools in prenatal care. Physical 3D models stand as a critical innovation in prenatal education, markedly enhancing understanding of fetal cardiac conditions and favouring informed decision-making among expectant parents. Their integration into clinical settings promises to reshape patient education, allowing for a more interactive and immersive learning experience.