Regina Rossi

Title: Analyzing functioning and quality of life with 3D printed prosthetic hands

Abstract:

Around the world, there are 40 million people with amputations, and more than 1 million people lose a limb each year (Donnelley et al., 2021; Marino et al., 2015). According to the World Health Organization, when individuals can obtain prosthetics, they are able to live more productive, healthy, independent, and dignified lives while engaging in their social, educational, and work environments. Conversely, when unable to obtain this necessary equipment, they can be isolated, excluded, and trapped in poverty which could cause further disability or disease. Only 5-15% of people are able to acquire the prosthetics and orthotics due to the lack of awareness, trained professionals, availability, policies, and financing, as well as the high cost (Eklund & Sexton, 2017). Prosthetic hands can cost between several hundred to several thousand US dollars. However, with 3D printing, this expense can be significantly reduced which can create a positive impact for those in countries throughout the world.  This study focuses on how client’s quality of life and ability to function are impacted after receiving a hand prosthetic by surveying participants with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) measure to analyze function and the SF-36 measure to examine quality of life before and after receiving a hand prosthesis.

Audience Take Away Notes :

• Audience members will be able to use information regarding the cost effectiveness of 3D printing to save themselves time and money while helping those around them.
• Audience members will learn about the versatility of 3D printing in their own job.
• Research in this field can be expanded by faculty and students attending the conference because it combines technology and medicine to improve people’s lives.
• Since 3D printing prosthetics is considerably more efficient, it allows more people around the world to receive this essential equipment at a much cheaper cost to patients and providers.

Biography:

Regina Rossi is a Senior level student at Alvernia University majoring in Occupational Therapy (OT) with a Psychology minor. She is currently the Senior Scholar and has completed the Honors Program doing her research on how OT can help young adults transition out of the foster care system. She has also explored Interfaith relations by researching how music is a universal call to holiness in the 3 Abrahamic faith traditions. Regina is a Golden Guide Ambassador/tour guide, a Peer Minister, Writing Mentor, maintains a 4.0 GPA, and loves making the world a better place – one hand at a time!