Evaluating Neonatal Resuscitation Skills of Nursing and Midwifery Students Using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Background & aim: Neonatal resuscitation training is mandatory for the staff providing maternity and neonatal services in order to ensure competence during the academic period. This study was conducted to assess the neonatal resuscitation skills of nursing and midwifery students. Methods:In this study, the skills of 48 nursing and midwifery students  were assessed, using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which consists of seven “stations”, lasting 28 minutes. In station 1, students’ knowledge was assessed. In stations 2-7, students’ skills in the initial steps of resuscitation, positive pressure ventilation, intubation, chest compression, medication prescription and management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were assessed. Time management and students’ re-evaluation of the infant were also assessed. The total score of OSCE was calculated to be 236. Also, students’ self-evaluation regarding their competence in neonatal resuscitation and their satisfaction with OSCE were evaluated, using two self-structured questionnaires. Results: The mean score of students’ skills in neonatal resuscitation was 97.85±23.15 out of 236. On average, students obtained 38%, 49%, 20% and 72% of the total score in the initial steps of resuscitation, positive pressure ventilation, intubation and chest compression, respectively. Also, the students obtained 45%, 29% and 56% of the total score in prescribing medications (drug dosage and route of administration), management skills in advanced resuscitation and knowledge on neonatal resuscitation, respectively. Students’ self-confidence was lower than half of the optimal score, and their satisfaction with OSCE was high. Conclusion: The students’ skills in neonatal resuscitation were lower than expected. As competence in this area is of high significance for the improvement of neonatal outcomes, holding training workshops through applying novel training methods is recommended.