Using design thinking to create and implement a 3D digital library of anatomical specimens.

Design thinking (DT) is a five-stage process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test) that guides the creation of user-centered solutions to complex problems. DT is in common use outside of science but has rarely been applied to anatomical education. The use of DT in this study identified the need for flexible access to anatomical specimens outside of the anatomy laboratory and guided the creation of a digital library of three-dimensional (3D) anatomical specimens (3D Anatomy Viewer). To test whether the resource was fit for purpose, a mixed-methods student evaluation was undertaken. Student surveys (n = 46) were employed using the system usability scale (SUS) and an unvalidated acceptability questionnaire. These verified that 3D Anatomy Viewer was usable (SUS of 72%) and acceptable (agreement range of 77%-93% on all Likert-type survey statements, Cronbach's alpha = 0.929). Supplementary interviews (n = 5) were analyzed through content analysis and revealed three main themes: (1) a credible online supplementary learning resource; (2) learning anatomy with 3D realism and interactivity; (3) user recommendations for expanding the number of anatomical models, test questions, and gamification elements. These data demonstrate that a DT framework can be successfully applied to anatomical education for creation of a practical learning resource. Anatomy educators should consider employing a DT framework where student-centered solutions to learner needs are required.

A workflow for the creation of photorealistic 3D cadaveric models using photogrammetry.

Three-dimensional (3D) representations of anatomical specimens are increasingly used as learning resources. Photogrammetry is a well-established technique that can be used to generate 3D models and has only been recently applied to produce visualisations of cadaveric specimens. This study has developed a semi-standardised photogrammetry workflow to produce photorealistic models of human specimens. Eight specimens, each with unique anatomical characteristics, were successfully digitised into interactive 3D models using the described workflow and the strengths and limitations of the technique are described. Various tissue types were reconstructed with apparent preservation of geometry and texture which visually resembled the original specimen. Using this workflow, an institution could digitise their existing cadaveric resources, facilitating the delivery of novel educational experiences.

3D facial analysis for rare disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring: Proof-Of-Concept plan for hereditary angioedema.

Rare diseases pose a diagnostic conundrum to even the most experienced clinicians around the world. The technology could play an assistive role in hastening the diagnosis process. Data-driven methodologies can identify distinctive disease features and create a definitive diagnostic spectrum. The healthcare professionals in developed and developing nations would benefit immensely from these approaches resulting in quicker diagnosis and enabling early care for the patients. Hereditary Angioedema is one such rare disease that requires a lengthy diagnostic cascade ensuing massive patient inconvenience and cost burden on the healthcare system. It is hypothesized that facial analysis with advanced imaging and algorithmic association can create an ideal diagnostic peer to the clinician while assimilating signs and symptoms in the hospital. 3D photogrammetry has been applied to diagnose rare diseases in various cohorts. The facial features are captured at a granular level in utmost finer detail. A validated and proven algorithm-powered software provides recommendations in real-time. Thus, paving the way for quick and early diagnosis to well-trained or less trained clinicians in different settings around the globe. The generated evidence indicates the strong applicability of 3 D photogrammetry in association with proprietary Cliniface software to Hereditary Angioedema for aiding in the diagnostic process. The approach, mechanism, and beneficial impact have been sketched out appropriately herein. This blueprint for hereditary angioedema may have far-reaching consequences beyond disease diagnosis to benefit all the stakeholders in the healthcare arena including research and new drug development.

3-Dimensional Facial Analysis-Facing Precision Public Health.

Precision public health is a new field driven by technological advances that enable more precise descriptions and analyses of individuals and population groups, with a view to improving the overall health of populations. This promises to lead to more precise clinical and public health practices, across the continuum of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. A phenotype is the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of a genotype with the environment. Precision (deep) phenotyping applies innovative technologies to exhaustively and more precisely examine the discrete components of a phenotype and goes beyond the information usually included in medical charts. This form of phenotyping is a critical component of more precise diagnostic capability and 3-dimensional facial analysis (3DFA) is a key technological enabler in this domain. In this paper, we examine the potential of 3DFA as a public health tool, by viewing it against the 10 essential public health services of the "public health wheel," developed by the US Centers for Disease Control. This provides an illustrative framework to gage current and emergent applications of genomic technologies for implementing precision public health.

Initiating an undiagnosed diseases program in the Western Australian public health system.

BACKGROUND: New approaches are required to address the needs of complex undiagnosed diseases patients. These approaches include clinical genomic diagnostic pipelines, utilizing intra- and multi-disciplinary platforms, as well as specialty-specific genomic clinics. Both are advancing diagnostic rates. However, complementary cross-disciplinary approaches are also critical to address those patients with multisystem disorders who traverse the bounds of multiple specialties and remain undiagnosed despite existing intra-specialty and genomic-focused approaches. The diagnostic possibilities of undiagnosed diseases include genetic and non-genetic conditions. The focus on genetic diseases addresses some of these disorders, however a cross-disciplinary approach is needed that also simultaneously addresses other disorder types. Herein, we describe the initiation and summary outcomes of a public health system approach for complex undiagnosed patients - the Undiagnosed Diseases Program-Western Australia (UDP-WA). RESULTS: Briefly the UDP-WA is: i) one of a complementary suite of approaches that is being delivered within health service, and with community engagement, to address the needs of those with severe undiagnosed diseases; ii) delivered within a public health system to support equitable access to health care, including for those from remote and regional areas; iii) providing diagnoses and improved patient care; iv) delivering a platform for in-service and real time genomic and phenomic education for clinicians that traverses a diverse range of specialties; v) retaining and recapturing clinical expertise; vi) supporting the education of junior and more senior medical staff; vii) designed to integrate with clinical translational research; and viii) is supporting greater connectedness for patients, families and medical staff. CONCLUSION: The UDP-WA has been initiated in the public health system to complement existing clinical genomic approaches; it has been targeted to those with a specific diagnostic need, and initiated by redirecting existing clinical and financial resources. The UDP-WA supports the provision of equitable and sustainable diagnostics and simultaneously supports capacity building in clinical care and translational research, for those with undiagnosed, typically rare, conditions.