Start here- principles of effective undergraduate training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Midwifery Training

Background:

• Undergraduate obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) and midwifery training involves intense learning of women's health, pregnancy care, and birth.
• Clinical learning opportunities on patients can be limited due to the sensitive nature of women's health examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight global challenges in OBGYN and midwifery undergraduate education.
• To describe teaching and learning initiatives for preparing graduates for practice.

Main Methods:

• Simulation-Based Education (SBE) using part-task and high-fidelity simulators for hands-on skills acquisition.
• Facilitating interprofessional education (IPE) through shared learning spaces.
• Case studies to illustrate teaching and learning initiatives.

Main Results:

• SBE provides a safe environment for medical and midwifery students to practice clinical examination and procedural skills.
• IPE in undergraduate settings can improve professional relationships and mutual understanding.
• Initiatives described are applicable across diverse OBGYN and midwifery teaching settings.

Conclusions:

• SBE is a valuable tool for enhancing OBGYN and midwifery undergraduate training.
• Implementing IPE early in training fosters better interprofessional collaboration.
• Preparedness for practice is improved through targeted teaching and learning strategies.