Vaginal Examination Simulation Using Citrus Fruit to Simulate Cervical Dilation and Effacement.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Reproductive Health
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Vaginal examinations are crucial for assessing labor progression.
• Pre-licensure nursing students often lack sufficient clinical practice opportunities for these exams.
• Current training methods may not adequately prepare students for real-world scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a cervical dilation and effacement model.
• To provide undergraduate nursing students with a practical training tool for vaginal examinations.
• To enhance the learning experience in reproductive health nursing courses.

Main Methods:

• Development of a low-cost, task-training model for cervical dilation and effacement.
• Integration of the model into a pre-licensure nursing course curriculum.
• Evaluation of student engagement and skill acquisition using the model.

Main Results:

• The model offers a reproducible and accessible method for practicing cervical assessment.
• Students gained valuable hands-on experience in evaluating cervical dilation and effacement.
• The training model effectively supplemented clinical learning opportunities.

Conclusions:

• The cervical dilation and effacement model is an effective educational resource for nursing students.
• This simulation tool addresses the gap in practical training for vaginal examinations.
• Implementing such models can improve nursing competency in reproductive health care.