Abstract
Background: Simulation-based learning is an approach recommended for teaching undergraduate health professionals. There is a scarcity of research around interprofessional simulation training for pre-professional students in obstetric emergencies that occur prior to arrival at the maternity ward. Objectives: The primary aims of the study were to examine whether an interprofessional team-based simulated birth scenario would improve undergraduate paramedic, nursing, and midwifery students' self-efficacy scores and clinical knowledge when managing birth in an unplanned location. The secondary aim was to assess students' satisfaction with the newly developed interprofessional simulation. Design Quasi-experimental descriptive study with repeated measures. Setting: Simulated hospital emergency department. Participants: Final year undergraduate paramedic, nursing, and midwifery students. Methods: Interprofessional teams of five students managed a simulated unplanned vaginal birth, followed by debriefing. Students completed a satisfaction with simulation survey. Serial surveys of clinical knowledge and self-efficacy were conducted at three time points. Results: Twenty-four students participated in one of five simulation scenarios. Overall, students' self-efficacy and confidence in ability to achieve a successful birth outcome was significantly improved at one month (p < 0.001) with a magnitude of increase (effect) of 40% (r = 0.71) and remained so after a further three months. Clinical knowledge was significantly increased in only one of three student groups: nursing (p = 0.04; r = 0.311). Students' satisfaction with the simulation experience was high (M = 4.65 / 5). Conclusions Results from this study indicate that an interprofessional simulation of a birth in an unplanned setting can improve undergraduate paramedic, nursing and midwifery students' confidence working in an interprofessional team. There was a significant improvement in clinical knowledge of the nursing students (who had least content about managing birth in their program). All students were highly satisfied with the interprofessional simulation experience simulation.
