Authors
Hediye Karakoç, Hava Ozkan
Published in
BMC medical education. Feb 05, 2026. Epub Feb 05, 2026.
Abstract
Simulation-based education is widely used to enhance clinical competence and communication skills in health professions. However, limited evidence exists on combined educational models that integrate simulation with structured counseling to strengthen empathy and privacy protection among midwifery students.
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a two-component educational intervention-wearable birth simulation followed by seven weeks of structured counseling-on students' empathic tendency and privacy protection competencies. A total of 105 final-year midwifery students were randomly assigned to three groups: normal birth simulation (n = 35), breech birth simulation (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Data were collected at four time points using the Empathic Tendency Scale and the Privacy Protection in Obstetrics and Gynecology Scale. Mixed-model analyses were applied.
Students in the breech birth simulation group demonstrated significantly higher empathy scores compared with the control group (p = 0.025). Across all groups, empathy and privacy awareness increased significantly over time (p < 0.001). However, the intervention did not produce significant improvements in the frequency of applying privacy-protective behaviors (p > 0.05).
The combined intervention-simulation followed by structured counseling-enhanced students' empathy and awareness regarding privacy protection, although behavioral change did not occur to the same extent. Integrating multi-component educational strategies into midwifery curricula may strengthen both emotional and cognitive dimensions of respectful maternity care.
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05864859. Registered on 05 May 2023.
PMID:
41639700
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 05 Feb 2026.
Read full publication at:
Please sign in
to see all details.
Advertisement
Stats
- Recommendations n/a n/a positive of 0 vote(s)
- Views 9
- Comments 0