Emergency Birth Hybrid Simulation with Standardized Patients in Midwifery Education: Implementation and Evaluation

Abstract

Structured simulations have become a critical part of health professions education at every level, particularly for high-risk, low-incidence scenarios. This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a hybrid simulation of emergency birth situations in a graduate midwifery program. In the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012, nurse-midwifery students twice participated in 2 simulated emergencies-shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage-using hybrid simulation (a standardized patient paired with a birth task trainer). Students found the simulations to be realistic. The use of best practices (ie, repetitive practice, team learning, small group debriefing, and large group debriefing) enhanced the quality of the simulation experience and the learners' reflection about their professional skills, strengths, weaknesses, and confidence in managing these 2 obstetric emergencies. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.