Authors: Carla Sa-Couto, Ingrid Bispo and Abel Nicolau, FMUP

Date: 08.05.2025

We’ve recently submitted an abstract to ASPiH 2025 conference, entitled “Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Training on Midwifery Students’ Knowledge of Maternal Positioning During Labour: A Pre-Post Study”. 

This work draws on preliminary results from MUNI MED data collection and explores the educational impact of PROGRESSION VR system.

In this pre-post study, students first completed an online test with 10 clinical case-based questions. Two weeks later, they participated in a 4-hour hands-on VR training session, which combined self-directed learning and guided clinical scenarios. This immersive approach allowed students to actively practice and refine labour positioning techniques in a realistic and interactive environment. Following the training, Knowledge was reassessed using a similar test, allowing for direct comparison of their knowledge gains. Additionally, students also rated the system’s usability.

The results were promising: students’ knowledge significantly improved after the VR session, with a median score increase of around 10%. The majority of participants rated the VR system as user-friendly, with over 60% rating it above-average on the widely-used System Usability Scale.

These findings underscore the potential of VR to strengthen both theoretical understanding and hands-on clinical skills in midwifery education. By offering a safe, engaging, and effective learning experience, virtual reality could play a key role in preparing students to deliver safer, more confident care during labour.