Cardiac catheterization laboratory and the role in effective patient education: A model approach

Abstract Introduction In recent years, the use of three-dimensional printed models (3DPM) has been described as a tool to facilitate doctor-patient communication. The application of 3DPMs in procedural planning for patients with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) has also been well described. 3DPMs have a potential role in improving understanding of cardiac anatomy for families and patients, increasing patient satisfaction, and optimizing doctor-patient communication. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study using a family questionnaire for patients who underwent cardiac catheterizations at Children's Hospital Colorado between September 2019 to August 2020, for whom a 3DPM was produced from 3D Rotational Angiography (3DRA). Questionnaires were completed before and after receiving and scrutinizing their 3DPM. Data were compared to assess patient satisfaction before and after having possession of their 3DPM, evaluating the improvement in their understanding of the child's cardiac anatomy and satisfaction ratings given by patients and their families. Results Subjects described their disease understanding as “moderate” before receiving the 3DPM. After receiving the model, significant improvements were observed in understanding their cardiac diagnosis and patient satisfaction scores in CHD patients and their families. After the intervention, families, and patients identified 3DPMs as their preferred modality to facilitate medical explanations. Conclusion The application of 3DPM allowed increased understanding of cardiac anatomy and improved satisfaction scores in our CHD patients and their family cohort.