Model-Based Episiotomy Training

This study aims to evaluate whether practical episiotomy training using simulation models improves midwifery students' confidence in their ability to perform the procedure, their confidence in learning, and their satisfaction with the training. An episiotomy is a surgical cut made in the area between the vaginal opening and the anus during childbirth when medically necessary. Proper repair of this cut and any tears that may occur during childbirth is important for maternal health. Therefore, midwifery students need to develop appropriate knowledge and skills before graduation. Practicing on simulation models may help students gain experience and confidence in a safe learning environment before performing procedures on real patients. The study will be conducted among third-year midwifery students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Kırklareli University, Türkiye. Students aged 18 years or older who are taking the Childbirth Knowledge III course for the first time will be eligible to participate. Approximately 90-100 students are expected to take part. Participation will be voluntary. Students who agree to participate will be randomly assigned by computer to one of two groups. The first group will receive standard episiotomy education, including a presentation and an educational video. The second group will receive the same standard education plus hands-on practice using special episiotomy simulation models. Practical training will be conducted in small groups under the guidance of the researchers. Before training, all students will complete a questionnaire about their background and educational experience, as well as questions assessing how confident they feel in their ability to perform episiotomy-related procedures. Immediately after training, students will complete questionnaires assessing their satisfaction with the education and their confidence in learning. One month later, their perceived ability to perform episiotomy-related procedures will be assessed again. After all assessments are completed, students in the standard education group will also be offered the opportunity to practice using simulation models. No procedures will be performed on real patients as part of this study. Participants' information will be kept confidential and used only for scientific purposes. Students may withdraw from the study at any time. The study will examine whether adding hands-on simulation training to standard education improves students' confidence, perceived ability, and satisfaction with learning. The findings may help improve midwifery education and contribute to better quality maternity care in the future.