Lay summary
3D printing has emerged in the last decade as a disruptive technology and potential enabler of highly innovative health research. The decision to implement 3D printing research capability in our District Health Board and engage service providers will require careful analysis of complexity, demand, lead-time criticality, and consumer acceptability. We will design a roadmap for a translational research approach for implementation of new technologies with a specific focus on 3D printing. The outputs of this activation grant will provide insight into how custom-designed, 3D printed anatomical models, implants, and surgical instruments could impact upon hospital flow times, anaesthetic and surgical outcome variability, and any other clinical outcomes that may result from its use. Secondly, we will be able develop future research to understand how hospitals make decisions regarding investment in 3D printing for surgical and training purposes, and which business model should be used to effectively utilise the technology?