Utility of 3D modelling of the patient's living environment as perceived by occupational therapists.
Manon Guay, Claudine Auger, Noémie Séguin-Tremblay and 5 others
PMID 38924148WHAT IT FOUND
Occupational therapists found that a 3D model of a patient's home helped them see details missed by photos, take accurate measurements remotely, and explain adaptations to patients who struggle to describe their environment.
It supported clinical reasoning but did not prove better patient outcomes.
Key findings
01Therapists valued the ability to take precise measurements remotely, which photos and videos cannot provide, especially for complex environments.
02The 3D model helped therapists communicate with patients who have cognitive or language difficulties by providing a visual reference of their own home.
03Therapists reported that seeing the home in 3D helped them identify unexpected barriers and verify existing equipment, supporting safer discharge planning.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was qualitative, so it reports perceived utility, not objective improvements in patient safety or clinical outcomes. The authors created the MapIt app, which introduces a potential bias in how the technology's utility was interpreted. A research assistant was available to help with scanning, which may not reflect the reality of a busy clinical setting where the therapist must manage the technology alone. The study was limited to Quebec, so healthcare systems and funding models for home adaptation may differ elsewhere. Participants noted that the app requires specific smartphone hardware (LiDAR or Tango), which may not be available to all therapists.
Declared interests
The authors are the creators of the MapIt app, which introduces a conflict of interest regarding the promotion of the tool's utility. The study was funded by AGE-WELL and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Université de Sherbrooke.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this app improves patient outcomes or safety. The study reports therapists' perceptions that it helped their reasoning and workflow, but it did not measure whether patients had fewer falls or better independence after using the tool.