Supply chain disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare systems to look for alternative ways to meet dramatically increased demand for personal protective equipment (PPE).
One potential solution to this problem is 3D printing of PPE.

However, relatively few of these 3D-printed PPE designs have been evaluated by healthcare professionals, and many require extensive redesign to make them practical and safe for use.

This paper outlines an interdisciplinary approach to evaluating and refining a 3D-printed face shield design for use in the Emergency Department of a level 1 Trauma center in eastern North Carolina.

Survey data indicated that users of the 3D-printed face shields considered them equal to disposable shields in comfort and usability, and superior to disposable shields in durability and protection.

A majority indicated they preferred using the 3D-printed shield. Given these results, we believe that 3D printing of PPE is a viable approach to mitigating future PPE supply chain disruptions.

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