Application of <scp>3D</scp> ‐Slicer combined with <scp>3D</scp> printing technology in training neurosurgery resident physicians' imaging spatial cognition and clinical reasoning: A self‐controlled before‐ and after‐study

Neurosurgical residency training requires advanced spatial cognition and 3D anatomical understanding, which traditional methods often fail to adequately develop. This study evaluated a novel educational model integrating 3D Slicer and 3D printing technology to enhance imaging spatial cognition and clinical reasoning among neurosurgery residents. In a self-controlled before- and after-trial, 25 neurosurgery residents completed a 12-week training program involving 3D Slicer reconstruction and 3D printing of clinical cases. Core competencies were assessed at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1) through theoretical tests, spatial anatomical recognition tasks, and clinical case analysis. Subjective feedback was collected via a structured survey. Participants showed significant improvements in all assessment domains (p < 0.001). Spatial anatomical recognition scores increased by 16.96 points (from 67.12 to 84.08), clinical case analysis by 13.10 points (from 69.94 to 83.04), and theoretical knowledge by 12.32 points (from 72.32 to 84.64). Subjective evaluations indicated that 100% of residents reported moderate or significant improvement in 3D anatomical comprehension, spatial visualization, preoperative planning confidence, and proactive problem-solving. The integrated 3D Slicer and 3D printing training model effectively enhances spatial cognition, clinical reasoning, and active learning in neurosurgical education. It offers a scalable, clinically relevant approach to bridging the gap between 2D imaging interpretation and 3D surgical planning, supporting the transition from training to independent practice.