Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam WC(1), Leung HS(2), Chan SK(1), Kam CF(2), Som CH(2), Sum HK(1), Wan KW(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Nursing Department, Cheshire Home, Chung Hom Kok (2) Prosthetic & Orthotic Department, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
The standard use of traditional restraint gloves, intended to stop patients from removing medical devices, can result in complications like fingernail onychomycosis, muscle atrophy, and finger deformities. The advent of 3D printing in healthcare has enabled the creation of customized hand splints, providing a safer, more comfortable alternative to conventional restraint gloves and helping to prevent hand contractures following a stroke. This project was a joint effort between the CCH Nursing Department and the PYNEH Prosthetic & Orthotic Department to design, prototype, and implement these 3D-printed hand splints. Benefits of 3D-Printed Hand Splints: 1. Customization: 3D printing creates splints tailored to each patient's anatomical needs for a better fit and comfort. 2. Rapid Production and Modification: Splints can be quickly produced based on hand scans. 3. Lightweight & Durable: 3D-printed splints are lighter and more durable, improving mobility. 4. Hygienic: Easily cleaned, ensuring hygiene standards and reducing infection risk. 5. Cost-Effective: 3D printing reduces costs by eliminating multiple adjustments and replacements. 6. Monitoring: Allows visual monitoring for hand skin/fingernail conditions and proper splint wearing. 7. Breathable: Provides ventilation, reducing skin and nail issues from sweat accumulation.
Objectives :
Improving patient care using 3D-printed hand splints
Methodology :
The Plan–Do–Check–Act model was adopted for this project: • Plan: Data review, design new hand splint • Do: 3D print prototype, trial on patients, make improvements, educate staff • Check: Assess complications, survey satisfaction levels of the new hand splint among staff, patients, and relatives • Act: Analyze complications and results; modify hand splint as needed; develop models tailored to various hand sizes and palm curvatures for efficient and customized production based on patient needs
Result & Outcome :
By December 2025, 22 patients successfully used the 3D-printed hand splint without any reported complications. According to the survey results in December 2024, the overall satisfaction rate, ventilation, and hygiene were scored at 8.16/10, 8.4/10, and 8.32/10 (P<0.05), respectively. Staff found it effective for monitoring patients' hands and preventing issues. Family members expressed the splint's comfort compared to traditional gloves and its significant benefits. Conclusion: The 3D-printed hand splint addresses the limitations of traditional restraint gloves in infirmaries. Its customizable nature improves patient comfort and outcomes. Expanding 3D printing in nursing care is recommended.
