Avaliação da percepção de estudantes de Medicina Veterinária sobre o uso de modelos 3D de encéfalo canino no aprendizado de neuroanatomia - Um estudo piloto

Abstract

Despite theoretical classes and studies with cadaveric models, understanding the brain, particularly cranial nerves (CNs), remains challenging for veterinary medical students. This study evaluated undergraduate veterinary students' perceptions of a 3D-printed brain model for neuroanatomical learning. The canine brain was scanned using KIRI Engine software with a smartphone camera. The images were exported and processed in Autodesk Meshmixer software to refine the 3D mesh, followed by printing planning in Ultimaker Cura software and production in polylactic acid (PLA) filament on a Creality Ender 3 printer. The model was tested in neuroanatomy classes, and students' perceptions were collected via a Likert scale-based questionnaire with 20 statements. Statistical analyses were performed via IBM 2017, Version 25.0 and included Spearman's correlation significance at p < 0.05 and the Mann‒Whitney test. Twenty-nine students (25 women, 4 men) participated. The results revealed significant correlations: the "3D model helped me understand" with the "identified CN" (p = 0.0285), "made easier to understand" (p = 0.0066), and "understanding CN positioning better than anatomical natural material" (p = 0.0141). The students found the 3D model more helpful than natural brain alone (p = 0.0455) and effective in representing brain characteristics (p = 0.0002). However, the model's texture was noted as a limitation (p = 0.0433). The students appreciated the 3D model as a valuable complement to neuroanatomy classes. While it has improved the understanding of the CN and other brain structures, it should be used as a complementary tool alongside traditional teaching methods.