The effect of simulation-based education on knowledge, skills and self-efficacy in postpartum hemorrhage management

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of simulation-based education on students' knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in managing postpartum hemorrhage. Method: The simulation-based training was conducted in the Nursing-Midwifery Simulation Laboratory at an Istanbul university between May and June 2023. The study involved 45 students, with 23 in the experimental group and 22 in the control group. Researchers used the Introductory Information Form, Postpartum Hemorrhage Management Knowledge Test, Postpartum Hemorrhage Management Self-Efficacy Form, and Postpartum Hemorrhage Management Skill Checklist for data collection. The experimental group received both theoretical education and simulation-based training on postpartum hemorrhage management, while the control group received only theoretical education. Data were collected at three intervals: before training, after training, and four weeks post-training. Skill assessments were conducted through direct observation using the Postpartum Hemorrhage Management Skill Checklist immediately after training and four weeks later. Knowledge test and self-efficacy data were collected via online forms. Data analysis was performed using statistical software, and thematic analysis was used to evaluate the debriefing session findings. Results: All participants were female, with an average age of 21.58 ± 0.86. The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant increase in knowledge levels compared to the control group in the post-training period (p<0.05). Skill levels showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all measurements (p<0.05). Although self-efficacy levels increased, no significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in any measurement (p>0.05). Conclusion: Simulation-based education effectively improved students' knowledge and skill levels in postpartum hemorrhage management but did not significantly enhance their self-efficacy.