Creating Access to Lactation Education through a Virtual Simulation Program

Creating Access to Lactation Education through a Virtual Simulation Program

Abstract: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, several clinical facilities discontinued their placement of lactation internships across the United States. In an effort to continue providing clinical educational opportunities, the University of California San Diego Lactation Program developed a virtual simulation program using evidence-based simulation program development criteria and instructor expertise. The goal was to provide clinical experiences for interns to develop competency in the clinical setting and communication skills required for client-centered lactation care. Simulation based experiences (SBE) using computer-based technology is a viable technique to provide clinical experience to lactation interns. This presentation will outline the steps taken to develop such a program. Based on the instructor and intern experience, simulation based experiences can be a viable way to provide clinical experiences to interns, especially those who do not have access to lactation preceptors.

Credit: 1 L-CERP

Source: ILCA Virtual Conference August, 2022 - Raleigh, North Carolina, US

Presented by: Kristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC (University of California San Diego Extension); Carrie Miller (Seattle University-College of Nursing)

Upon completion, the learner will be able to:

1. Define at least two criteria for simulation design
2. Identify at least two ways that virtual simulation experiences can reduce barriers to lactation education
3. Explain the steps needed to design a simulation-based experience for lactation education

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. 

Disclosures: Kristina Chamberlain is employed by the University of California San Diego Extension program mentioned in the presentation.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).