title: The perspectives of Australian midwifery academics on barriers and enablers for simulation in midwifery education in Australia: a focus group study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to describe Australian midwifery academics' perceptions of the current barriers and enablers for simulation in midwifery education in Australia and the potential and resources required for simulation to be increased.
  
  
  METHODS
  a series of 11 focus groups/interviews were held in all states and territories of Australia with 46 participating academics nominated by their heads of discipline from universities across the country.
  
  
  RESULTS
  three themes were identified relating to barriers to the extension of the use of simulated learning environments (SLEs) ('there are things that you can't simulate'; 'not having the appropriate resources'; and professional accreditation requirements) and three themes were identified to facilitate SLE use ('for the bits that you're not likely to see very often in clinical'; ['for students] to figure something out before [they] get to go out there and do it on the real person'; and good resources and support).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  although barriers exist to the adoption and spread of simulated learning in midwifery, there is a long history of simulation and a great willingness to enhance its use among midwifery academics in Australia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  while some aspects of midwifery practice may be impossible to simulate, more collaboration and sharing in the development and use of simulation scenarios, equipment, space and other physical and personnel resources would make the uptake of simulation in midwifery education more widespread. Students would therefore be exposed to the best available preparation for clinical practice contributing to the safety and quality of midwifery care.
authors: The University of Queensland, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Herston Campus, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia. s.foxyoung@uq.edu.au
authors: Stephanie
authors: S
authors: Fox-Young
authors: Susannah
authors: S
authors: Brady
authors: Wendy
authors: W
authors: Brealey
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Cooper
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: McKenna
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Hall
authors: Fiona
authors: F
authors: Bogossian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult