Simulation approach in learning manipulative and clinical skills of students of the specialty „Midwife“

Information for nursing staff, 2024, 56(2), 16-22.

A. Dimitrova, B. Traycheva, S. Mladenova, T. Veselinova, I. Sokolova

Faculty of Public Health “Prof. Tzecomir Vodenitcharov, МD, DSc”, Medical University ‒ Sofia

Abstract. On a global scale, the simulation approach is recognized as an active and effective educational strategy in the practical undergraduate training of Midwifery students, in their formation as competent and quality future specialists. The aim of the present study was to investigate the opinion of Midwifery students regarding the acquisition of manipulative techniques and clinical skills during traditional practical training and the effects after applied simulation training. Materials and methods. The study included 53 students from the “Midwifery” majors who study at the Faculty of Public Health of the Medical University – Sofia. The study was conducted during the 2023/2024 academic year. As a part of a research project, simulators were purchased for functional monitoring of vital signs, injection and infusion therapy, determining the position of the fetus in the uterus, surgical suture and breastfeeding. Two surveys were conducted: before and after the practical simulation training. Results and conclusions. The positive effect after the application of the simulation correlates with higher values of the results of the student self-assessment regarding the acquisition of manipulative, functional and specific obstetric techniques, compared to the results of their traditional training. Modern, simulation-based approaches in the preclinical training of students is a possible educational strategy to support and develop their midwifery skills and build professional habits.

Key words: simulation, training, students, midwives

Address for correspondence: Antoaneta Dimitrova, e-mail: a.dimitrova@foz.mu-sofia.bg