Factors Determining the Adoption and Use of 3D Printing Medical Prosthesis: Will 3D Prosthetics Replace the Current Prosthetics?

The rise of 3D-printed prosthetic devices is expected to cause a paradigm shift in rehabilitative processes of care. However, the adoption and use of 3D printed prosthetic devices has been low among amputees as most still use contemporary prosthetic devices despite the potential advantages of 3D printed prosthetic devices. Henceforth, this study focuses on exploring the underlying factors behind the low adoption rate and use of 3D-printed prosthetics. Quantitative methods were used to elicit the preference of amputees in using a specific type of prosthetics, their overall satisfaction levels, and their preferences for other prosthetic devices. The cognitive interview framework was used to design the survey questions to include elements that ensures the research questions are relevant to research objectives. Survey questions were used as the primary form of data collection. The collected data was further analyzed using inferential statistical methods such as t-test confidence levels, ANOVA regression analysis, and hypothesis tests of distribution. The inferences from these test results and the literature were made to determine the implications of this study to rehabilitative care practice and future research gaps. The results are further summarized according to the results received by the questionnaire and the conclusions made from this study reveal four main factors behind the low adoption rate of 3D-printed prosthetic devices, which are accessibility, affordability, durability, and comfort levels. The conclusions and results of this study can be further used to accelerate the adoption of 3D-printed prosthetics, in essence, to improve the quality of life and the general well-being of amputees.