Integrating point-of-care technology into the midwifery curricula

At the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Australia, a pilot study was conducted to introduce and integrate mobile point-of-care technologies into the clinical laboratory experiences of students in the Bachelor of Midwifery program. The pilot study was a collaborative project between Intel Healthcare and the Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Health at UTS and was conducted using Intel's mobile clinical assistants (MCA). Through role playing, students were exposed to a number of case scenarios drawn from authentic midwifery practice. The MCA was used to gain information such as test results, clinical practice protocols, and best evidence guidelines. The students were expected to discuss the information with the woman. Following the activity, students completed an online survey to identify the impact of the MCA on the role-playing situations. They also participated in a focus group where they could discuss the use of the point-of-care technology in relation to preparation for practice. Results from these evaluations indicated that the students were positive about using the MCA in simulation sessions and they also considered that this technology would be helpful in their practice. It is hoped that the use of such point-of-care technology will be integrated across the Faculty's pre-registration midwifery and nursing programs to provide students with access to the most recent information technology innovations in health care.