Medical Equipment Blog


3D Diabetes Model Q & A

Friday, June 17, 2011

With complex conditions like diabetes how can I make sure I cover all the concerns with the patient during the consultation?

Diseases such as diabetes affect a wide range of body systems and functions. This can include the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, arteries, pancreas, nervous system and the feet. In fact the condition can literally cause damage from the top of the head to the bottom of the foot. In discussions with patients it may be easy to omit or skip over a particular complication that may be present if diabetes is not managed and lifestyle chances are not put in place. Using 3D diabetes models will keep your discussion focused. This will allow you to cover all the complications and effects of the condition in a logical and informative fashion. The card can be used as an outline for the discussion with the patient while still allowing a lot of flexibility to discuss the specific concerns of the individual.

What models are good accompaniments to 3D diabetes models in a patient room or a medical classroom or laboratory?

Having 3D diabetes models in a patient treatment room or in a training or teaching environment is a great idea. Other anatomical models that show diseased organs that highlight the impact of diabetes are also beneficial. Yet another option to consider is an anatomical chart of the effects of diabetes on the human body. Adding as many different visual aids as possible will help students and patients alike to develop a full understanding of this prevalent health condition. Another benefit to using supplemental information forms such as anatomy charts, brochures or supporting models to the diabetes model is that each may have a slightly different representation of the specific damage to an organ or body part. This can lead to discussions about what each patient can expect given their unique individual diagnosis.

When making presentations to small groups about diabetes what props can I use to help clarify understanding?

3D diabetes models that are provided at each table or for each small group of individuals is a great addition to any type of training program. This may include patient groups, family members, students or the community at large. Using overhead presentations with diagrams and pictures with the model is highly effective in helping everyone see and visualize the specifics you are addressing in your presentation.

Are comprehensive 3D diabetes models cumbersome to move around a hospital or a teaching environment?

Many model manufacturers are very aware of the need to move models and supplies from one area of a facility to another. High quality 3D diabetes models can easily be moved from area to area or room to room without a lot of complications. Lightweight and just about 10 inches in height the model can be carried by one person with no difficulties at all. The solid construction of the model helps to ensure it is very practical and will last for years with a minimum of specialized care and attention.

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Hypertension Model Q & A

Friday, June 10, 2011

Besides an entire human anatomy model, what options do I have for talking to patients about all the various organs affected by hypertension?

There are many physicians who have full human anatomy models in their main office or in an examination room. However, there are definite drawbacks to a full size model that takes up a huge corner of your available room space. A better option is to consider a hypertension model that shows just the affected organs and body parts. By narrowing down the model and avoiding a lot of extra information, the patient is able to focus more on the essentials without distraction.

Another reason that a specific model is beneficial is that the study card behind the model is a great way to ensure that you have provided information to the patient on all the complications caused by the health condition. If you don't use the model you may omit or skip over various health risks as the conversation with the patient gets a bit off track. The card just helps to keep everything logical and comprehensive without appearing to be a classroom lecture.

Is there a hypertension model available that is suitable for self-study in a laboratory or classroom environment?

A hypertension model that has a miniature model of each of the organs and body systems associated with the disease is a great self-study tool in a classroom or laboratory. These models will provide summary information of the effects of hypertension on the depicted body parts. With diagrams as well as 3D versions of the organs learning actually comes to life. Students can use the model in a variety of ways from preparing for tests and exams through to anatomy review and gaining a better understanding of the results of hypertension. This model can be supplemented with full size organ models showing both diseased and healthy organs. With a range of models comparisons can be made very easily and quickly and highlight the damage the disease causes.

What is the typical size and shape of a hypertension model?

With the organ components of the model approximately half of the size of the individual organ models, the size of this display is actually very small and compact. The entire stand is about thirteen and one half inches tall. The card on the back of the model that contains a wealth of additional information and graphics is six and one quarter inches by eight and one quarter inches in size. The entire model and card stand on a base that is six and one half inches by five inches.

Should I choose a hypertension model or a chart for my examination rooms in a smaller clinic?

Both a hypertension model as well as a chart are good space saving options for a small office or examination room. The major advantage of the model is that it is three dimensional and typically much more patient friendly than a basic or advanced type of anatomy chart or hypertension poster.

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What is the major benefit of having digestive system models in a physician's office?

Thursday, July 30, 2009

The most essential benefit to having one or more options with regards to digestive system models in a physician's office or clinical setting is that patients can actually see the digestive system. Full models will include everything from the mouth and nose area through the entire system, providing a full picture of the complete digestive process. The doctor, nurse or health professional can use digestive system models to demonstrate to the patient how a problem or health issue anywhere along the gastro intestinal tract can result in pains, health problems and digestive disorders.
Often the complexity of the digestive system and all the different associated parts are not included in all brain anatomy models. Models that provide components including the liver, spleen, pancreas and the gall bladder provide the most comprehensive view of the internal workings of the digestive system.
Are there any types of digestive system models that show disease problems within the GI tract or the stomach?
For doctors consulting with patients and teachers working with students, models that show both a healthy stomach and digestive tract as well as disease conditions are important considerations for selecting digestive system models. These digestive system models include depictions of ulcers in the stomach as well as health related issues in the esophagus.
The ulcerated digestive system models include minor enteritis types of lesions and pathology up to full perforation and bleeding types of ulcers. Gastritis is also depicted in these types of stomach digestive system models. For the esophagus model diseases commonly presented include acid reflux, carcinoma, hernia and ulcers. These models are mounted on a base and have either two parts or a lengthwise section, clearly showing the symptoms of both the conditions as well as the possible scarring or healing of the different diseases.
For classroom work two part stomach digestive system models give students a look into the tissue and structure of the stomach in a lifelike and authentic way. Major nerves and blood vessels are also provided for both the external and internal views of these types of digestive system models. How much space do digestive system models take up in an office or classroom?
Unlike larger full skeletal models, digestive system models tend to be smaller, typically weighing less than 5 pounds, unless the full digestive system models are used which are just under 10 pounds. They are usually mounted on a stand for easy storage and display, and they are convenient for storing on bookcases or in medical supply cabinets or other storage facilities. For classrooms they are ideal for use on lab counters or on display shelves around the room. Since they are so lightweight they are also easy for students to use at their particular desk or station. The durable plastic material the digestive system models are made of stand up well to multiple types of uses and the colors and details stay vibrate for many years.

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How are anatomical charts helpful to doctors when working with patients?

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

The anatomical chart that seems to be strategically located in almost every patient examination room can certainly be an asset to a doctor when describing any type of skeletal, nervous, muscle or body system condition or disorder to a patient. Since medical terms and medical language is often outside the scope of the average person's understanding, using the chart as a reference point can help the patient clearly understand what the doctor is saying without having to ask for definitions and additional information.
Anatomical charts can also be a terrific way to explain to children about health conditions in a much less threatening way. Since many children and adults are visual learners, allowing them or encouraging them to actually see what the physician is talking about is a great resource that is often not used enough.
What specific features on anatomical charts make them easy to read and understand?
Perhaps the most obvious answer to this question is that any type of color coding or three dimensional aspect of anatomical charts will make them easier for both medical staff as well as patients and students to read and follow along. Three dimensional charts allow specific parts or systems on the chart to really stand out from the background. Generally the three dimensional aspects include the nervous system, muscular system and the skeleton, with each respective part being elevated above the general body diagram.
Other options to look for in anatomical charts include durable, laminated or plastic surfaces that allow for easy handling. Charts that are lightweight and flimsy will not only have to be replaced much more frequently but they typically won't be three dimensional or easy to see and follow. Grommets or rivets pre-set into the anatomical charts make them easy to take on and off of the wall, plus they also help the poster to hang straight and level against the wall. Charts may also come with translations, particularly into Spanish. These charts are perfect for patient areas where English may not the be the first language of some or most of the patients. Charts with both English and Spanish are great for both languages and prevent having to duplicate the posters on the wall.
How detailed do some anatomical charts actually get? Anatomical charts come in several different formats from very basic with just the major body components, muscle groups and nervous system parts through to very detailed and highly defined. Generally for most physician's offices and examination rooms the general charts are sufficient for most discussions and explanations.
For individuals that want very specific types of charts with highly detailed and individualized drawings of different components of each system these options are also available. Typically these types of anatomical charts have a smaller overall general drawing of the human body or specific system, then larger, expanded drawings and labels of each component of the system. These charts are very handy for references for working with patients and they are also great for lecture rooms and classrooms as well.

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What is the best option for using a life-sized anatomical model and when are the miniatures better?

Monday, July 06, 2009

Generally life sized or full sized human anatomical models of the whole body or the specific systems within the body are most commonly used in teaching hospitals and lecture type situations. However in some physician's offices where spinal injuries and skeletal health concerns are the focus, having a life sized anatomical model of the body can be very helpful.
Choosing either a pelvic mounted or head mounted anatomical model is an important consideration. The pelvic mount does allow for more precise and clear demonstration of how the spine moves and flexes, along with how that impacts on the rest of the skeletal structure. A head mount anatomical model can be easier to work on with lower body skeletal issues.
Miniature or mini anatomical models are about half the size of full sized options and are easy to keep in examination rooms and offices. They may also be ideal for classroom situations, especially if you want to have several for students to work with. It may also be an option to have at least one full sized and one miniature, allowing the greatest flexibility for your teaching and patient care needs.
Are there options for smaller, individual systems models?
There are many situations when a full sized or even a miniature anatomical model is just not practical or isn't specific enough. For these types of occasions there are very unique and specific types of anatomical models that focus in on only one system within the human body. The brain and the digestive system are commonly used in doctor's offices but also in teaching programs for those in general sciences or specific medical classes.
Smaller anatomical models of the teeth, mouth and jaws as well as the brain and the skull are very popular for dentist's offices, teaching classrooms as well as anthropology departments. The skull models are particularly unique as they featured different anthropological skull discoveries in life sized and perfect detailed options.
What details are typically found on different types of human anatomical models?
There are two different options when selecting a human anatomical model. These include the models fully assembled and mounted or those that are disarticulated or come disassembled for easy handling and viewing. These disarticulated skeletons generally are either full or half skeletons and come labeled and numbered for easy identification of structures. Hands and feet may be wired together or one wired and one disarticulated for easy study and comparison. Other options for anatomical models include color coding or painting of half of the side of the skeleton to indicate where muscles attach and originate. This is important for both students as well as doctors to be able to use.
Specialized orthopedic skeletons and anatomical models are ideal for chiropractors, doctors and teaching facilities. These skeletons also show the soft muscle tissues, ligaments and major nerves and blood vessels. This level of detail helps both students and patients understand how the body system works as well as how skeletal health impacts on all aspects of movement.

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