Simulation-Based Education as a Solution to Challenges Encountered with Clinical Teaching in Nursing and Midwifery Education in Malawi: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Nursing and midwifery education in Malawi entails theoretical learning and clinical practice, essential for developing competent professionals. However, challenges such as staff shortages and limited resources hinder effective clinical teaching. Simulation-based education (SBE) offers a promising solution. This study aims to explore how SBE can enhance clinical teaching in Malawian nursing and midwifery education. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with lecturers, clinical instructors, and focus group discussion (FGD) with the final-year students. Thematic analysis revealed several key findings: SBE serves as a valuable gap-filler in clinical education, addressing complex needs while offering diverse learning opportunities. It also provides a platform for enhanced supervision and assessment strategies. The results indicate that SBE enables students to master various clinical skills without direct patient contact, reducing congestion at clinical sites while ensuring credit acquisition. Moreover, it proves effective as both a supervision and assessment tool for evaluating students' clinical performance. In conclusion, the study advocates for the integration of SBE into Malawian nursing and midwifery education to alleviate the challenges associated with traditional clinical teaching. By leveraging SBE, institutions can mitigate overcrowding at clinical sites and provide students with diverse learning experiences. However, successful implementation requires adequate infrastructure, resources, and skilled lecturers. Ultimately, SBE holds the potential to significantly enhance the quality and outcomes of nursing and midwifery education in Malawi.