The revolutionary role of 3D printing in healthcare: opportunities and challenges

The healthcare sector is undergoing a transformative revolution through the widespread adoption of 3D-printing technologies, as evidenced by a wealth of applications already available in the literature. These innovations have opened up new design possibilities and paved the way for personalized solutions that enhance the care of patients and healthcare professionals. This chapter explores the current and potential contributions of 3D printing to healthcare, examining diverse solutions and strategies facilitated by the continuous technological advancements in additive manufacturing. A hypothetical patient’s journey is envisioned to contextualize the benefits patients and healthcare practitioners can derive from 3D-printed interventions. Additionally, this chapter contemplates unresolved challenges in integrating 3D printing into healthcare, such as the need for robust design and manufacturing procedures, essential competencies and roles, and the economic feasibility of these solutions. These questions serve as catalysts for further investigation and discussion.