Facilitating Interprofessional Simulation-Based Education - the experience of the Midwifery Education Simulation Working Group

Oral Presentation 3
Dr Lorna Lawther, Ms Katrina McCullough, Ms Lisa Robinson, Ms Pauline Topping, Ms Esther McClurg, Ms Rebecca Barr

Facilitating Interprofessional Simulation Based Education - the experience of the Midwifery Education Simulation Working Group

Introduction
There is a need to create a culture of learning and support in maternity care services to enhance interprofessional working relationships to optimise maternity care for women and families (Kirkup, 2022; Ockenden, 2022). Interprofessional Simulation Based Education (ISBE) can support this requirement however the ability to develop IBSE is constrained by the lack of facilitators who are skilled in the design and implementation of high quality theoretically designed simulation (Forstronen et al ,2020). Practitioners require support and experiential learning to become facilitators. The QUB Midwifery Education Simulation Working Group (MESWG) was established in QUB in 2019 and oversees the implementation of the simulation strategy for midwifery education within the curricula. The clinical working group members have been given support to develop transferrable knowledge, skills and practice in facilitating Simulation Based Education. This has the potential to impact on ISBE in maternity care settings in NI.

Objectives
To present the experiences of members of the QUB MESWG and the impact on ISBE in maternity services in HSC Trusts in NI.

Methods
A reflection on the impact of the MESWG on personal and professional learning and initiatives that have been implemented in ISBE in maternity services in their Trust as a result.

Outcomes
Membership of the MESWG has created impetus to drive change in how ISBE is implemented in practice. Supporting undergraduate midwifery students and connecting with midwifery academics experienced in SBE, has enabled skills acquisition in co-design, co-facilitation of SBE and shared learning with other clinical colleagues. This has influenced SBE in practice and enabled a network of support, thereby increasing the quality of the learning experience for the interprofessional team.

Conclusions
Creating a culture of learning and support requires consideration of the implementation strategies that can be used including up-skilling clinicians to facilitate ISBE. This can contribute to interprofessional respect, understanding and a positive working and learning environment and ultimately improve maternity care for women and families.