Enhancement of the Maternity Care Simulation Laboratory: Inter-professional Education with a High-Fidelity Maternal/Newborn Simulator and an Internet / DVD Virtual Lab

The purpose of the Division of Midwifery maternity care simulation laboratory (MCSL) is to provide basic and advanced skill development to midwifery students outside of their clinical placements. The MCSL includes aides that provide instruction (text reference and pre­reading), demonstration (video, flash, photo and text), problem based learning scenarios as well as models for simulation activities. Each of these offers students the opportunity to review and practice invasive and sometimes painful procedures without involving human participants.

Access to a variety of resources that review the keys to successful skill attainment would benefit students as well as preceptors who supervise students during clinical placements. To enhance access we plan to make laboratory learning tools available on our web page so that students and preceptors across the province can review skills as required. This will also provide a base from which consistent teaching can evolve. Additional proposed enhancements to the MCSL include the development of new learning modules, the creation of interdisciplinary practice scenarios for our high fidelity birthing simulator and minor renovations to accommodate enhanced learning stations.

Kim Campbell, Midwifery, Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine
Elaine Carty, Professor, Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science
Cathryn Ellis, Clinical Instructor, Midwifery, Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine
Saraswathi Vedam, Director, Midwifery, Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine