F15 - Conceptualizing the Clinical Year: An Innovative Approach to Simulation Curriculum Design

Abstract : Midwives are required to manage perinatal emergencies as entry level providers. Nurse-Midwifery learners cannot be guaranteed the opportunity to manage perinatal emergencies during clinical rotations. A gap analysis of this institution's APRN curriculum identified inconsistencies in the ability to assess individual competency for managing perinatal emergencies. Additionally, end of program data identified a learner perceived lack of readiness for practice.
Existing curricula lacked threading and scaffolding of specific skills and clinical decision-making. Methods for assessing developing and achievement of competency, self-reflection, and formative assessment, were absent. The purpose of this project was to redesign curriculum to include simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) that provided exposure to perinatal emergencies and opportunities for assessing competency of multiple cohorts of APRN Nurse-Midwifery learners (n=30) in a 3 year DNP program.

Using the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best practice, the Competency Based Education (CBE) framework and the AACN Level II Essentials (AACN, 2021), a series of SBLEs were designed to support deliberate practice, formative assessment, and self reflection as learners participate in increasingly complex SBLEs over the course of their clinical year. Learners started with basic hand skills, and concluded with a multistate scenario where Nurse-Midwifery learners demonstrate competency in managing perinatal emergencies as a solo provider.

Outcomes of this curriculum revision were assessed through debriefing in SBLEs, course and end of program evaluation data, and the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M). The data demonstrated perceived readiness for practice and the ability to measure competency in most areas.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: This presentation provides a roadmap for designing simulation-based learning experiences (SBLEs) for developing and demonstrating competency across a clinical year. It will speak to the use of the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice, and a Competency Based Education (CBE) framework to design learner-centered SBLEs scaffolded to support the achievement of competency for APRN Nurse-Midwifery learners managing obstetrical emergencies.