The Effectiveness of Combined Virtual and Clinical Simulation in Midwifery Students

Universidad de los Andes, Chile

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Virtual Simulation; Simulation Training; Midwifery Students Education; Clinical Competence; Education, Health

Treatments: Other: virtual simulation; Other: Combined Virtual and Clinical Simulation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06630143

CEC2024016

Details and patient eligibility

About

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined virtual and clinical simulation strategy compared to virtual simulation alone and clinical simulation alone in the development of theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment among midwifery students, specifically in the management of preeclampsia.

Study Population:

75 undergraduate midwifery students in the second cycle of their studies at the Universidad de Los Andes, Chile.

Interventions:

Group 1: Virtual and Clinical Simulation combined (VSim® case on preeclampsia followed by hands-on clinical simulation with a manikin).

Group 2: Virtual Simulation only (VSim® case on preeclampsia).

Primary Outcomes:

Development of theoretical knowledge (measured by a test) on preeclampsia. Improvement in clinical judgment skills (assessed using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric).

Secondary Outcomes:

Student satisfaction with the training. Perceived self-efficacy in managing preeclampsia. Usability of simulation platform

Duration:

The intervention lasts for 4 days. Pre- and post-tests will assess knowledge, clinical judgment, satisfaction, and self-efficacy.

Methodology:

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 35 participants divided equally into two groups. Each group will undergo either virtual simulation, or both. Data analysis will involve repeated measures ANOVA to assess the differences in learning outcomes between the groups.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Enrollment Status: Students in the second cycle of the midwifery program at the University of Los Andes.
• Educational Background: Participants must have completed the foundational courses in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as their initial clinical rotations.
• Consent: Participants must provide written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous Clinical Experience: Students who have had prior clinical experience in high-risk obstetric units, or in preeclampsia management, will be excluded.
• Other Professional Backgrounds: Individuals with a degree or professional certification in obstetric or gynecological nursing (e.g., technicians with a title in obstetric nursing) will not be eligible.
• Exchange Students: Midwifery students participating in exchange programs will not be permitted to participate in the study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Combined Virtual and Clinical Simulation Arm

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive a combination of virtual simulation using the vSim® platform and clinical simulation with a high-fidelity manikin. The virtual simulation focuses on the management of a preeclampsia case, which will be followed by a hands-on clinical simulation replicating the same scenario. This arm aims to assess whether combining both educational strategies enhances theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment more effectively than either method alone.

Treatment:

Other: Combined Virtual and Clinical Simulation

Virtual Simulation Arm

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this arm will undergo a virtual simulation using the vSim® platform, which focuses on a preeclampsia case. This intervention will help participants develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills in a virtual environment. The objective is to measure the effectiveness of virtual simulation alone on theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment.

Treatment:

Other: virtual simulation