Evaluation of a Health Education England simulation initiative in the Department of Adult Child Midwifery

This report presents the findings from an evaluation of a Health Education England (HEE) funded project to develop and deliver simulated learning to PRE_REGISTRATION NURSING students at Middlesex University.

Simulation is “an educational method which uses a variety of modalities to support students in developing their knowledge, behaviours and skills, with the opportunity for repetition, feedback, evaluation and reflection to achieve their programme outcomes and be confirmed as capable of safe and effective practice.” (NMC, 2023)

The evaluation which used a mixed methods design (student pre and post survey, focus groups with staff and students and observation of staff and students) found considerable evidence of progress towards most of the stated objectives during SIMS week. There is strong evidence from all data sources that students found SIMS week to be a safe learning environment and that they were immersed in the scenarios. Survey, focus group and observation data provide strong evidence that students improved their clinical skills, and their confidence generally across SIMS week and there was some evidence that decision-making skills were also developed. Observations show strong evidence that emotions and feelings were present in learning in the scenarios and the debriefing sessions were effective in encouraging exploration of feelings, emotions and learning. The observations of the debriefing sessions suggests that these were successfully used to encourage and facilitate links between theory and practice.

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