The Usefulness of 3D Heart Models as a Tool of Congenital Heart Disease Education: A Narrative Review.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) heart models as teaching tools for congenital heart disease (CHD), addressing the limitations of traditional medical education methods.

METHODS

A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scientific Direct and Scopus databases. Relevant articles were screened and selected based on their discussion of the application of 3D models in CHD education.

RESULTS

The comprehensive review of 19 studies revealed that 3D heart models provide students, healthcare professionals, and patients with meaningful experiences that significantly enhance understanding and learning outcomes. These models improve objective knowledge, structural conceptualization, and personal satisfaction in medical education, especially in complex CHD compared to traditional methods such as books and 2D images ( < 0.001). Additionally, they enhance spatial orientation, surgical planning, simulation training, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking of healthcare providers. Patients and parents showed better comprehension and confidence in explaining their condition to others. Despite the cost and technical limitations, 3D models of CHD show promising potential.

CONCLUSION

Integrating 3D heart models into CHD education has positively impacted knowledge acquisition, satisfaction, and confidence across various learner populations. The interactive and tangible nature of 3D models offers advantages over traditional teaching methods, fostering a deeper understanding of complex cardiac structures and pathology. However, further research is necessary to investigate long-term benefits and develop effective integration strategies in medical curricula and practice.