Clinical simulation: a new approach to midwifery education

A review of the literature demonstrated that the theoryDSpractice gap caused by a shift from the traditional apprenticeship-style education to higher education institutions (HEIs) ten years' ago might have impacted on the students' fitness to practice at the point of registration. However a new approach to midwifery education, clinical simulation, could transform teaching and learning strategy for undergraduate student midwives. Clinical simulation is based on the concept of experiential learning and can enhance skill acquisition by providing a safe and controlled, student-focused learning environment in a setting that is comparable to reality. While this may offer students the opportunity to apply their learning more easily when they return to the clinical area, further research into the effectiveness of clinical simulation in preparing students for the reality of clinical practice and, in particular, the transfer of simulated skills to the workplace, is suggested.