Implementation of a simulation-based education for mothers in managing respiratory emergencies in the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge often causes concern for mothers since they are solely responsible for the care and safety of their infants. This study assesses the feasibility of simulation-based education on managing respiratory emergencies for mothers and investigates changes in mothers' confidence. It used a pilot one-group pre- and post-test design in an NICU. The general estimation equation was used to analyze the effects of simulation-based education and factors affecting mothers' confidence. The simulation-based education increased mothers' confidence in managing respiratory emergencies, and these effects continuedeven after discharge. Mothers with multiple pregnancies and mothers of infants with low birth weight, long gestation, and NICU stays showed increased confidence compared to their counterparts. Teaching using a simulation approach is feasible and significantly improves mothers' confidence in infants’ respiratory emergency management. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of simulation-based education in terms of clinical education for improving infant health outcomes.