The Impact of Simulation-Based Education on Midwifery Students' Episiotomy Self-Efficacy Levels (SBE)

Fenerbahce University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Self Efficacy; Simulation Based Medical Education; Episiotomy

Treatments: Behavioral: Suture Simulation Training for Episiotomy Repair

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06908278

51.2024fbu

Details and patient eligibility

About

Problem: Self-efficacy, the belief in one's ability to perform tasks, plays a critical role in learning. Inadequate self-efficacy can hinder the development of essential clinical skills in midwifery students.

Background: Simulation-based education provides a safe learning environment that enhances students' skills and confidence without the fear of mistakes. However, the comparative effectiveness of different simulation methods on self-efficacy remains unclear.

Aim: This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of suture simulation training versus sponge simulation training on midwifery students' self-efficacy in episiotomy repair. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

Does suture simulation training improve self-efficacy in episiotomy repair more effectively than sponge simulation training?

What challenges or difficulties do students encounter with each simulation method?

Methods: A total of 84 midwifery students participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups:

Intervention 1 (n=42): Practiced on a suture simulator.

Intervention 2 (n=42): Practiced on a sponge simulator.

Both groups received identical theoretical training on episiotomy repair through slide presentations and video demonstrations over two sessions lasting four hours. Students:

Engaged in hands-on training with their assigned simulation method for four weeks.

Attended clinic visits every two weeks for skill assessments and feedback.

Maintained a self-report diary documenting their confidence levels and skill progression.

Data collection included demographic characteristics, self-efficacy assessments using the Episiotomy Skills Self-Efficacy Scale (ESSES), and observational data. Statistical analyses were planned using t-tests and chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Future results will be analyzed and reported separately in the Results Section, following data collection and processing.

Enrollment: 84 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Ability to communicate in Turkish.

Enrollment in the midwifery department.

Registration in courses on midwifery care for high-risk pregnancies and postpartum care following high-risk deliveries.

Exclusion criteria

Inability to communicate in Turkish.

Not enrolled in the midwifery department.

Not registered in the relevant courses.

Any condition preventing participation in hands-on simulation training.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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84 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental Arm 1: Suture Simulation Training

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive suture simulation training for episiotomy repair. This includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on practice using a suture simulator in a controlled, guided setting. The purpose of this intervention is to enhance self-efficacy and competence in episiotomy suturing.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Suture Simulation Training for Episiotomy Repair

Experimental Arm 2: Sponge Simulation Training

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this arm will receive sponge simulation training for episiotomy repair. The training includes theoretical education followed by hands-on practice using sponge materials that mimic soft tissue. The goal is to develop suturing skills and improve participants' self-efficacy in performing episiotomy repairs in a safe and controlled environment.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Suture Simulation Training for Episiotomy Repair