Why Digital Point-of-Care 3D Printing is ideal for hospitals with less than 50 cases annually

The adoption of point-of-care 3D printing in hospitals has been revolutionized by digitization, providing personalized care with enhanced precision and efficiency. As hospitals consider setting up an in-house point-of-care 3D printing facility, understanding the cost implications between standard and digital setups can help them save initial cost and build confidence with management before a significant amount is budgeted. In this blog, we will compare the costs associated with both approaches and identify when each becomes more cost-effective.

Understanding Point-of-Care 3D Printing Setups

Point-of-care 3D printing enables hospitals to create patient specific 3d printed medical models and surgical guides onsite. The setup involves two main cost components: Initial fixed investment costs and a variable cost per case. Here is how each of the setup approach cost structure look like

Point-of-Care 3D Printing Setup cost structure :

Analyzing the Cost Effectiveness: Standard vs. Digital Setup

To determine which setup is more cost-effective, we analyze the breakeven point where the total costs of both setups equalize. This breakeven analysis is essential for hospitals considering the number of cases they handle per year.

General Formula:

Fixed Cost (Standard) + (Variable Cost per Case (Standard) × Number of Cases) = Fixed Cost (Digital) + (Variable Cost per Case (Digital) × Number of Cases)

Substituting the values from above table :

21,500 + 215x = 11,500 + 410x

To find the number of cases where total costs are equal, solve for x:

1. Subtract Fixed Costs on Both Sides:

   10,000 + 215x = 410x

2. Combine Like Terms:

   10,000 = 195x

3. Solve for x:

   x ≈ 51.28

Visualizing the Breakeven Point

To better illustrate this analysis, consider the following chart:

The red dashed lines represent the breakeven point. As the number of cases surpasses 51, the total cost of the standard setup (blue line) becomes lower than the digital setup (green line), making it the more economical choice for hospitals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Point-of-Care 3D Printing Setup

1. Volume of Cases: If your hospital handles a high number of 3D printing cases annually (50 or above), investing in a standard setup may prove more economical .

2. Resource Costs: Digital setups can incur higher costs initially but one can get the lab up and running quickly. Identifying and training the right resource could be challenging due to the specialized nature of the skills required for segmentation and design. Automation and in-house expertise may reduce these costs over time.

3. Software Requirements: Advanced segmentation software can add to the initial investment. It's essential to evaluate the return on investment for software solutions based on your hospital's specific needs.

Conclusion

The choice between a standard and digital point-of-care 3D printing setup depends on multiple factors, including the volume of cases handled, resource costs, and software requirements. For hospitals managing more than 51 cases per year, the standard setup becomes more cost-effective, providing substantial savings in the long term.

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