Simulation in midwifery education: A descriptive explorative study exploring students’ knowledge, confidence and skills in the care of the preterm neonate

Stoodley, Cathy; McKellar, Lois; Steen, Mary; Fleet, Julie

Abstract

Undergraduate midwifery programs across Australia have embedded simulation into their curriculum although there is limited but emerging evidence to support the use of simulation as an effective teaching strategy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that a simulated learning activity (insertion and management of a neonatal nasogastric tube), had on midwifery students' knowledge, confidence and skills post-simulation, and on completion of a clinical placement. A descriptive explorative study was undertaken in two phases. Phase 1: Midwifery students (n = 60) completed a purpose-designed questionnaire to assess their knowledge, confidence and skills, pre and post simulation. Phase 2: Students (n = 46) repeated the questionnaire to reassess their knowledge, confidence and skills after the completion of a neonatal nursery placement. The findings demonstrate that simulation is an effective learning strategy in an undergraduate midwifery program. Students' knowledge, confidence and skills increased significantly post-simulation activity (p0.001). A further increase in these areas was noted post-placement. Key aspects that contributed to student learning included; the demonstrators’ level of knowledge, expertise and currency of practice, as well as the role the student assumes in the simulation activity.

Citation

Stoodley, C., McKellar, L., Steen, M., & Fleet, J. (2020). Simulation in midwifery education: A descriptive explorative study exploring students’ knowledge, confidence and skills in the care of the preterm neonate. Nurse Education in Practice, 42, Article 102635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2019.102635

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 4, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Oct 10, 2019
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Deposit Date: Sep 14, 2022
• Journal: Nurse Education in Practice
• Print ISSN: 1471-5953
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Article Number: 102635
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2019.102635
• Keywords: Midwifery education, Simulation, Knowledge translation, Confidence
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2898080