Emergency scenarios in maternity: An exploratory study of a midwifery and medical student simulation-based learning collaboration

Abstract

Background and problemIn Australia, interprofessional education has been embedded into pre-registration course accreditation standards. Little is known about Australian midwifery and medical students experiences of interprofessional learning when the focus is on emergency scenarios during birth. AimThis study aimed to evaluate student experience of Interprofessional Simulation-Based Learning workshops focused on emergency scenarios with midwifery and medical students. MethodsThis was a descriptive, exploratory study of an educational activity designed to enhance inter-professional and collaborative learning between Bachelor of Midwifery students and Bachelor of Medicine students at a Simulation Centre in Sydney, Australia. A pre and post survey design enabled data collection before and after the 6-h simulation-based workshop. FindingsA total of 45 students attended two interprofessional simulation learning days, 14 were midwifery students and 31 medical students. Students disclosed a level of apprehension in the pre workshop survey and ambivalence towards the values of collaborative simulation-based learning. Following the workshop students reported that the workshop enhanced their ability to work collaboratively in practice. Both student cohorts commented on a perceived power imbalance and a sense of each profession having to ‘prove’ their knowledge levels. Students stated that learning to work together in a safe environment allowed them to develop an appreciation for each other’s scope of practice and responsibilities in an emergency situation. ConclusionThis form of collaborative learning has the potential to improve new graduate experience in the workplace, especially during emergency situations, and ultimately improve care for women and babies.