This session discusses the design and delivery of an immersive simulated pedagogy used in Maternity education. Through an exploration of the existing literature, alongside empirical interviews, key triggers for birth trauma were identified and embedded within a simulated real-life scenario. Based on women’s real accounts of birth trauma, the filmed scenario formed part of an educational programme that was delivered via virtual reality. Forming part of a unique and innovative session, the programme reportedly enhanced the learning experience of participants by immersing themselves into a first-person perspective of a mother during a negative birth experience. Reflections following the viewing focused on human factors in clinical practice, interpersonal interactions with women and exploring key points for humanising practices within the social space of birth. This session will present findings from the feasibility work undertaken as part of a PhD study. This includes presenting findings from the delivery of the educational programme within the NHS to healthcare professionals and to student midwives as part of their BSc Midwifery degree programme.
