Midwifery students’ retention of learning after screen-based simulation training on neonatal resuscitation: a pilot study

Simulation in medical education is widely used to teach both technical and non-technical skills. The use of tools such as screen-based simulation raises the question of their efficiency and the retention rate for knowledge and skills. In this study, we measured midwives' retention of learning after screen-based simulation training on neonatal resuscitation. 14 midwifery students participated in this pilot study. They undertook two screen-based simulation sessions 2 months apart. Measurements included a knowledge quiz, a self-efficacy assessment and two experts' evaluations of the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Performance Evaluation (NRPE) scoring (non-technical and technical skills, respectively). A demographic survey with open-ended questions on professional experience and learning concluded the study. We showed an improvement in the self-efficacy assessment (p<0.05), the knowledge quiz (p<0.01) and the ANTS evaluation (p<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the NRPE score. The students enjoyed the apprenticeship aspect of the screen-based simulation. Repeated exposure to a screen-based simulation on neonatal resuscitation could be advantageous for non-technical skills training, self-confidence and retention of knowledge. This is still a work in progress, undergoing further investigation with more participants and new variables.