Use of 3D printing in the development of knowledge in medical students: an integrative analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: 3D printing is a tool with several applications in medicine, with wide use for medical education, and can be used for research, education and simulation for students and residents, but with potential still little explored. Objective: The study aimed to perform an analytical synthesis of the use of 3D printing for knowledge gain among medical students, compared with traditional teaching. Method: This is an integrative literature review, conducted in the databases ScienceDirect, PubMed and Biblioteca Eletrônica Científica Online (Scielo), in the last 5 years (2020-2024). The descriptors “3D Printing”, “Medical Education” and “Engagement Learning” were used in the first database and “3D Printing”, “Medical Education” and “Learning” in the second and third database, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, with the Boolean “AND”. Results: The 28 articles selected showed that the use of 3D printing for the construction of knowledge among medical students is an important tool for medical education, providing a deep and meaningful learning, being related to the improvement of short-term learning, higher student satisfaction and engagement compared to traditional teaching methods. The limitations of use are in the availability of materials for printing and limited number of studies for long-term evaluation, there is a need to develop more research. Conclusion: The use of 3D printing in a strategic and well-structured way is a valuable tool in the development of medical knowledge and skills.