Hybrid simulated patient methodology: Managing maternal deterioration

Abstract

This chapter presents a study in which the authors examined student midwives' ability to assess and manage maternal deterioration using measures of knowledge, skill, situation awareness and decision-making. Simulated patients (SPs) wearing 'birthing suits' simulated women in maternal deterioration. In total 35 students were assessed. Students' evaluations indicated significant benefits of the programme and the high psychological fidelity of the scenarios and SPs. SPs were experienced professional actors who had worked in other educational simulated settings. Having produced the scenarios, four SPs were selected. All were professional actors in their 30s who had experienced childbirth. Educators were also briefed before each session. Using the videoed ante-partum haemorrhage (APH) and post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) scenarios, participants were debriefed using a reflective review process known as photo-elicitation. The video and audio recordings of the PPH scenario were later analysed with a focus on clinical decision-making.