General Hospital

Memo
To:

Dr. Sandi Hubnik

From:
Andy Jimenez, Project Manager
Tamya White, Materials Coordinator
Marina Jimenez, Research Analyst
Angel Sanchez, Research Analyst
Date:

April 12, 2016

Re:

3D Printing

Purpose
On March 29, 2016 we were authorized to start our 3-D printing research. We have completed
preliminary primary research which included conducting a survey to determine basic
knowledge and attitudes towards 3-D printing for uses in medical field. We have also utilized
previous research regarding 3-D printing and their uses for medical purposes. So far we have
been on medical databases, viewed demonstrations, and read articles on how 3-D printing will
revolutionize the industry.

Intro
The purpose of our progress report is to provide an update on the recommendations of 3-D
Printers. The hospital CEO has approved our proposal to implement and purchase 3-D printers
due to the increase need for low-cost prosthetics, compatible organs, and medical equipment.
Over the years the prices of all the requested items have escalated, and we would like to find
alternative solutions that will fill the need and be cost effective. Many patients rely on tissue or
organ donation from cadavers or living donors but the waiting lists are long and many die
before transplant occurs (Ventola). Transplant surgery for these patients is costly and so is the
medications needed to suppress the immune system to avoid tissue rejection (Ventola).

Completed Work
Task 1: Research
We conducted research by using reliable internet databases and scholarly medical articles to
give us a basic understanding of 3-D printing. We have focused our research specifically on 3D printing for medical uses. We have found several articles supporting use of 3-D printers
which not only customize implants for patients but can create surgical tools both which can
decrease time in surgery and recovery time for patients (Ventola).

Task 2: Survey
We surveyed nurses that work at Huguley Hospital to get their opinion and knowledge about 3D printing. Most of the feedback was positive for using 3-D printers although our subject group
was small.

Future Work
Task 3: Collect and analyze data
We have conducted the survey, we will thoroughly review data and collect our results.

Task 4: Generate Recommendations

We will research different 3-D printers, and narrow it down to a select few models that we feel
are the best to use in General Hospital.

Task 5: Prepare Report:

Once we have conducted all of our research and analyze all of the data, we will be ready to
prepare for our final report.

Schedule
Tasks

3/24

3/26

3/31

4/12

4/29

1. Research
2. Survey
3. Collect
and
analyze
data
4 .Generate
recommendations
5.Prepare Report

Conclusion
We have successfully completed tasks 1-2, and currently working on our task 3-5 and preparing
our report. Overall our research has gone smoothly. Our next step is analyze the data, generate
final recommendations, and complete or report.

Works Cited
"Makergear M2." Www.3dhubs.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.

Mesko, Bertalan. "12 Things We Can 3D Print in Medicine Right Now." 3dprintingindustry.com.
3dprintingindustry.com, 26 Feb. 2015. Web. 24 Mar. 2016.
Ventola, C. Lee. "Medical Applications for 3D Printing: Current and Projected Uses." P&T 39.10
(2014): 704-11. Web.