AI mannequins to be used in new UEL midwifery course

The University of East London (UEL) is launching new BSc (Hons) Midwifery and BSc (Hons) Midwifery Apprenticeship three-year programmes in September 2023.

The programmes have been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) initially worked to develop the programmes alongside University of East London (UEL).  Bart’s Health and Homerton Hospital also worked closely with UEL to produce the midwifery programmes. Students on the programmes will undergo placements at BHRUT, Barts Health and Homerton Hospital.

Midwifery students will be taught in the midwifery skills lab, where a range of high-fidelity simulations are set up using AI mannequins such as Lucina and Baby Luna.

View video footage of the AI childbirth and baby mannequins being used in our multi-million pound hospital simulation suite, complete with the latest AR and VR tech for students: https://youtu.be/g3RaGdPy1gM

The Lucina childbirth mannequin offers human-like vital signs and responses for practice of both normal labour and delivery scenarios and obstetrical emergencies. Baby Luna is uniquely designed for comprehensive training to practice and gain proficiency in newborn assessment and resuscitation and advanced life support.

Midwives provide care and support to women and their families during pregnancy, labour and in the postnatal period. Midwifery students will be able to recognise and manage a range of complex and emergency situations. The programmes are designed to educate midwifery students/apprentices to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s requirements for registration as a midwife to deliver high-quality care to women and their families.

Successful completion of the programme will equip students to work as registered midwives in various settings and roles including hospitals, community services, universities and educational institutions, research roles, specialist roles or working abroad.

Kenye Karemo, Director of Education, Workforce Development and Research for BHRUT, said, “BHRUT is committed to developing the next generation of midwives from the communities we serve and to providing good careers. Our collaboration with UEL is a sign of our commitment. We are delighted to have played a key role and are excited about the new future this creates for student midwives and their families.”

Jillian Pride, Lead Midwife for Education at UEL, said, “The dynamic NMC-validated midwifery programmes at UEL will give opportunities for local people to provide midwifery care for the local population. We are working closely with our partner Trusts to provide excellent midwifery education within our maternity services.”

The programmes are based on childbirth as a physiological process, the foundations of midwifery care and the role of the midwife.

The midwifery programme will give students/apprentices the opportunity to develop personally and professionally and be able to practice effectively in a variety of settings, working both independently and in collaboration with other professionals.

The Hospital and Primary Care Training Hub at UEL includes a multi-professional simulation suite that boasts the latest in augmented and virtual reality equipment.

This includes two high-tech patient simulator mannequins, known as SimMan 3G Plus, which can display a range of neurological and physiological symptoms such as sweating and crying.  These mannequins are some of the most life-like physical simulators worldwide – and which UEL is the first university in Europe to procure and utilise.

The facilities include a mock A&E department, an ambulance, a general ward, an intensive care unit, and a flat designed to imitate an at-home social care environment.

To find out more, visit https://uel.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/bsc-hons-midwifery

Midwifery courses to launch | University of East London (uel.ac.uk)

Staff Writer