Cost and Knowledge, and the Cost of Ignorance
A Simple Diagram says it all…
Recently, we have collected a sizable detailed survey off the 3DHEALS community (Full results to be online soon), and one chart stood out (see above). If we are tasked with accelerating emerging technology like 3D printing into a risk-averse vertical like healthcare, what is the perceived biggest barrier to entry?
Based on our survey, at least in healthcare vertical, the top two barriers are 1) cost and 2) (lack of ) knowledge. A more granular representation of this chart based on profession is shown at the bottom of this article.
If 3D printing cost continues to drop as a result of Moore’s Law, the number one barrier will quickly become (lack of) Knowledge.
In fact, there is plenty of evidence that the price will continue to drop and the technology is getting easier to use. That said, “easy” is a relative term.
For healthcare 3D printing, people’s understanding of the technology and its “limitless” potential in design and manufacturing often rests on photos of sweet children sporting EnAble prosthesis or organs in a petri dish. Most don’t know the rising interest in hospitals and healthcare provider groups of using the technology for simulation, surgical planning, and invention of new ways of delivering care, ways that no one could have imagined before.
Only with deeper understanding of the technology (e.g. MIT AM course) and see many examples of its applications in healthcare (e.g. Mayo 3D printing course), eureka moments can happen more frequently to truly impact healthcare, an industry that desperately needs a make-over.
At 3DHEALS, we work with our partners to create learning opportunities in an environment where the entire ecosystem is present and collaborative learning is encouraged. We firmly believe education is one of the most important task in accelerating 3D printing use in healthcare (and probably all other sectors). That is why we have expanded to seven different cities all over the world this year to further this agenda.
If you are in the neighborhood, come and join our upcoming Boston gathering with 3D printing experts and world class physicians.
