Enhancing bereavement support skills using simulated neonatal resuscitation.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Perinatal Health
• Grief Counseling

Background:

• Neonatal death presents significant challenges in nursing and midwifery.
• Developing bereavement care skills is crucial for healthcare professionals supporting grieving parents.
• Student nurses and midwives require structured learning experiences to build confidence in this area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of neonatal resuscitation simulation in preparing undergraduate nurse-midwives for supporting parents after neonatal death.
• To explore how simulation can enhance students' bereavement support skills and self-awareness.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted using neonatal resuscitation simulation.
• Undergraduate (double degree) nurse-midwifery students participated in the simulation.
• Student experiences and reflections on bereavement support were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Neonatal resuscitation simulation effectively assisted students in developing and reflecting on bereavement support skills.
• The simulation provided a context for understanding and managing responses to unexpected neonatal death.
• Students identified the importance of self-care strategies for managing emotional responses.

Conclusions:

• Clinical simulation is a valuable tool for educating student nurses and midwives in neonatal bereavement care.
• Simulation can improve preparedness and confidence in supporting bereaved parents.
• Integrating self-care education is essential for holistic student preparation in this emotionally demanding field.