BACKGROUND
Hackathons encourage global innovation by fostering inventive problem-solving throughout varied fields. The technology of 3D printing revolutionizes the manufacturing, medical, educational, and military sectors. Combining medical education with 3D printing in hackathons improves students' problem-solving abilities, even in the face of difficulties such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
OBJECTIVE
This study proposes a new method for combining medicine and 3D printing technology across disciplines via an online forum for undergraduate medical education.
METHODS
Ninety-six students from the Medicine and Nursing School of the National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan, were randomly assigned to twenty groups and categorized into two groups to work on programs for two weeks. Online discussions were linked to topic discussions through proximity-based video conferencing (website: https://www.gather.town/). Speakers and mentors from different professions were then invited to motivate and stimulate students’ thinking and analysis skills.
RESULTS
Several prototypes were elucidated for problem-solving that had 3D printing and medical themes in the military. For example, one winning team offered a battlefield crutch capable of being mounted quickly on a rifle to improve the mobility of wounded soldiers and significantly boost their chances of survival. Post-event evaluation indicated that ants had a high degree of satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS
During the COVID-19 pandemic, conferencing software enabled new methods for hosting large-scale gatherings online. This software can expand access to medical education with good participant satisfaction. It also has the potential to develop innovative solutions to problems when combined with 3D printing.