UNC Charlotte’s Respectful Maternity Simulation Prepares Future Healthcare Providers

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at UNC Charlotte’s School of Nursing hosted another Respectful Maternity Simulation, an initiative designed to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly in minority communities.

This impactful event was a collaborative effort between the Learning Resource Center, the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, and Danette McLaurin Glass of First Team America, LLC, a leader in community health initiatives. Glass brought her expertise from programs like H.E.A.R.T. for Georgia, which focuses on addressing disparities in maternal healthcare through education and advocacy.

An Immersive Learning Experience

During the simulation, participants engaged in realistic healthcare scenarios focused on respectful maternity care. Each participant assumed one of four roles: maternal patient, family member, patient navigator, or healthcare provider. The scenarios, based on real-life cases, allowed participants to practice navigating patient-healthcare interactions in a simulated environment.

Participants were divided into small groups, given time to study their roles, and assigned to exam rooms to enact the scenarios. The hands-on approach highlighted challenges and solutions in providing culturally competent care and improving patient-provider communication.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

This event was made possible by the efforts of Alicia Dahl, PhD, MS, and Lorenzo Hopper, PhD, MPH, from the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health. Additionally, Ashton Atmore, Simulation Technician at the LRC, played a vital role in setting up the space to ensure the realism of the experience.

Reflecting on the event, Atmore shared:

We love the opportunity to collaborate with other departments within the college and community. It gives us the chance to provide students and healthcare professionals the same hands-on experience we offer our NinerNurses every day, and that’s one of my favorite things about the LRC.

Why It Matters

The Respectful Maternity Simulation is part of a larger mission to address disparities in maternal and infant health by preparing healthcare students and professionals to deliver equitable, patient-centered care. The program not only equips participants with practical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the social and cultural factors influencing health outcomes.

The School of Nursing at UNC Charlotte remains committed to advancing innovative educational initiatives like this to prepare future healthcare leaders and make a meaningful impact on public health.