3D Bio-printing in Medical Treatment: A Technology Acceptance Model

The 3D printing technology has been broadly applied in many industries. In medical science, 3D bio-printing is used for generating biological tissues and provides customized biological needs for patients. Nowadays, 3D bio-printing can print blood vessels, skin tissue, heart tissue, and artificial bones for surgical therapy or transplantation. The potentials of 3D bio-printing in medical science may create many business opportunities and greatly benefits patients. Although many successful cases have been reported in USA and UK, 3D bio-printing technology is relatively new in Taiwan. The question concerning how people in Taiwan approach the new technology or whether they would accept the new technology used in their medical treatments remains unknown. Thus, this study investigates the acceptance of 3D bio-printing applied in medical treatment from the perspectives of people in Taiwan. Two hundred forty nine adults (86 males, 163 females, average age 31) voluntarily completed an online survey. We used item analysis, factor analysis, and structural equation model (SEM) to build a TAM 3D bio-printing applied in medical treatment, which included perceived usefulness and confidence. This model may facilitate business in promoting 3D bio-printing in medical treatment, from which patients may gain benefits.