Developing a vaginal exam simulation box for labor progression assessment training

Abstract

A vaginal exam simulation box for clinical teaching is important for help learners to better understand and enhance practice skills before entering clinical practice with clients.  The objective of this study was to develop and test the effectiveness of a vaginal exam simulation box as a training tool in assessment of labor progression.  The process consisted of two phases including: 1) simulation box development and 2) pilot testing and evaluation of its effectiveness.  The sample were 67 nursing students practicing in the labor unit; 15 students participated in phase 1 and 52 students in phase 2.  The research instruments consisted of an interview guide and an evaluation form for model quality, both of which were examined by experts for content validity.  The content validity index of evaluation form was 1.00 and the reliability by re-test with 10 nursing students was 0.96.  Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as median, mean, and standard deviation.

The vaginal exam simulation box was constructed using a wood box simulating the vagina (birth canal) and different plastic pieces with rubber cervixes and fetal heads in different sizes. Based on the pilot test and evaluation of this vaginal exam simulation box, it was found to be moderately effective in its production and student learning skills, and had a good level of effectiveness with regards to student confidence in performing vaginal examinations.  This vaginal exam simulation box was useful as a teaching tool for explanation and assessment of labor process, but further refinement is needed in terms of its production and student learning skills.