title: Midwifery students' experiences of simulation- and skills training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Sweden, simulation- and skills training are implemented in midwifery education in order to prepare students for clinical practice. Research regarding the use of both low to high levels of fidelity in simulation in midwifery programme is limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore midwifery students' experiences of simulation- and skills training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Midwifery students (n=61), at advanced level, were interviewed in 13 group interviews from 2011 to 2105. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and data were analysed by content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results are presented in four main categories: develops hands on skills and communication, power of collaborative learning, highly valued learning environment and facilitates clinical practice. The majority of students felt that the simulation- and skills training were necessary to become familiar with hands on skills. Having repetitive practices in a safe and secure environment was viewed as important, and students highly valued that mistakes could be made without fear of comprising patient safety. Student's collaboration, reflections and critical thinking increased learning ability. Simulation- and skills training created links between theory and practice, and the lecturer had an important role in providing instructions and feedback. Students felt prepared and confident before their clinical practice, and simulation- and skills training increased safety for all involved, resulting in students being more confident, as patients in clinical practice became less exposed. Furthermore, mentors were satisfied with students' basic skills.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simulation- and skills training support the development of midwifery skills. It creates links between theory and practice, which facilitates students' learning ability. Training needs to include reflections and critical thinking in order to develop their learning. The lecturer has an important role in encouraging time for reflections and creating safe environment during the skills and simulation training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Sweden.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lendahls
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Sweden. Electronic address: marie.oscarsson@lnu.se.
authors.forename: Marie G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Oscarsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D013548:Sweden
keywords: Experience; Midwifery students; Qualitative research; Simulation- and skills training