An expansion of Edith Cowan University Ward for a Day initiative for midwifery students in Western Australia follows a $500,000 investment in new equipment including high fidelity simulated birthing mannequins.

ECU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery immersive practice ward-based simulation builds on its existing program, which places nursing students in real-world scenarios to assist their transition between academia and practice. 

“Midwifery students use the space very differently compared with nursing and medical students,” said ECU Course Co-ordinator Melanie Welfare.

The Ward for the Day initiative will span across ECU’s Joondalup and South-West campuses and is being rolled out to all midwifery practice courses starting from semester 1, 2025, involving some 350 students.

Students from all year levels will have the opportunity to participate and learn in ‘real world’ environments to ensure they build the confidence needed before entering the clinical environment.

The midwifery simulation ward has equipment ranging from low fidelity task trainers to high fidelity simulated birthing mannequins. The space has also been equipped with cameras and recording devices to allow students to be filmed while gaining skills.

“We have some complex computer-driven mannequins that can simulate birth,” Ms Welfare said.

“Simulation enables students to learn and become confident in clinical skills prior to clinical placements. It allows them to practice skills in a safe and supportive environment.”

The simulation program is aimed at preparing students to work across a full scope of practice as a midwife.

“It’s not that they just come in and do temperature, pulse, blood pressure. It is actually working in the role of a student midwife or a midwife where their scope sits. So, they can really consolidate those skills for when they go out into clinical practice.”

“It gives them that confidence to be in the clinical space by working through some of the scenarios and putting it all together,” said Ms Welfare.