Three-dimensional technology: Evaluating the use of visualisation in midwifery education

Midwifery learning and teaching resources have remained unchanged for decades. At a regional Queensland university, a 3D visualization resource was introduced in addition to books, lectures, and clinical skills laboratory sessions to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of the physiological processes related to the birth of the placenta and hemostasis. Fourteen second-year midwifery students volunteered to participate in pilot evaluation. This study included an eight-item questionnaire using Likert scale rankings followed by three open-ended questions, to evaluate the 3D midwifery visualization resource (3DMVR) and its use with midwifery students. All participants believed the 3D visualization resource enabled them to gain a greater depth of understanding about the anatomy and physiology of the uterus and birth of the placenta and understanding of the processes of hemostasis. Research is needed to assess if students’ learning and retention of knowledge is improved using this new technology.