Evaluation of the multi-faceted use of infant simulation dolls

Our work began just before the COVID-19 pandemic; In 2019 we received funding from NHS England through the Local Clinical Commissioning Group to judge using baby simulation dolls by expectant parents. Nonetheless, our original research plans (like many others across the country) needed rethinking. Subsequently, our initial work focused on conducting a pre-pilot study (Whiting et al., 2021) in order that we could gain first-hand experience using the simulation dolls. This proved invaluable when it comes to our knowledge and in guiding our future research; also emphasized that researchers must fully understand the participant’s perspective – particularly, we found that the technology related to infant simulation dolls will be difficult to establish and operationalize.

The subsequent phase of our research (Whiting et al., 2023 – in press) focused on the contribution of puppets in the tutorial context, with the aim of: Evaluation of baby simulation dolls and their use for developing empathetic insight into parenting for social work and nursing students. The inclusion of an empathetic approach in educational programs for health and social care students is strongly really helpful (Kerasidou et al. 2020; Moudatou et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2022). Between June 2021 and June 2022, our first-year BSc (Hons) Nursing (Pediatric) and MSc Social Work students got a baby doll after which invited to participate in a person, semi-structured interview to enable them to share their thoughts and observations. The advantages of using the dolls were very visible, as students commented extremely positively on their experiences and development of empathy towards their parents, posting comments equivalent to:I’m really just going to place myself in them [parents] position“. [Children’s Nursing student 5]. This phase was further prolonged by offering the dolls to a second cohort of undergraduate honors nursing students (children), who were then asked to finish an assessment questionnaire. Data from 18 respondents confirmed the above findings.

The third phase of our work focused on using infant simulation dolls and the perceived empowerment of parenting skills for first-time parents (moms and dads aged 18 or older). In the summertime of 2023, six prospective parents (five identified as female and one identified as male), recruited through social media and our university communications system, got a baby doll for roughly per week to assist them prepare for his or her upcoming baby. parenthood. Appropriate pre-education and training in learn how to handle the doll was provided. Semi-structured interviews with future parents revealed positive experiences and feelings that the doll helped them and their partner prepare for parenthood, for instance:

“I believed it was really insightful and really good because obviously I’m having my first baby at the top of this 12 months and I have not had plenty of interaction with other kids. I even have some friends who’ve kids, so it was really good to give you the option to experience something like that. I actually liked it. It was harder than I believed.” [Parent 2]

In summary, the more traditional use of infant simulation dolls has not all the time resulted in positive outcomes, but our work provides evidence that there’s scope for wider application, each in educational and parenting contexts. Resources could also be limited, so it is crucial that we maximize those we’ve in order that different groups can profit from them and give you the option to place them directly into practice.

Research team:
Dr. Lisa Whiting is an associate professor [Research] and Skilled Lead in Pediatric Nursing on the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire. You may follow Lisa on X: @LisaWhi35145237

Dr. Julia Petty is an associate professor [Learning & Teaching] and Senior Lecturer in Pediatric Nursing on the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire. You may follow Julia on X: @petty_julia

Sheila Roberts is a Senior Lecturer in Pediatric Nursing on the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire.

Professor Brian Littlechild is Professor of Social Work on the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire.

Dr. Karen Mills is a Program Tutor, Program Manager, MSc Social Work/Step as much as Social Work on the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire.

Suzannah Goodchild is a parenting expert with experience from the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire.

Daniel Penny is a parenting expert with experience from the School of Health and Social Work on the University of Hertfordshire.

Bibliography
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Herrman, J. W., Waterhouse, J. K., & Chiquoine, J. (2011). Evaluation of an infant simulator intervention to forestall teenage pregnancy. Journal of obstetrics, gynecology and neonatal nursing. 40 section 3 322-328.

Kerasidou, A., Bærøe, K., Berger, Z. & Brown, A. E. C. (2021). The necessity for empathetic healthcare systems. Journal of Medical Ethics. 47(12) e27-e27.

McCormack, B., & Sim, M. G. (2005). Teenage pregnancy: a health awareness and education program. Australian GP. 34(1-2) 17.

Mitchell, G. (2014). Using doll therapy in individuals with dementia: a review. Nursing the elderly. 26 section 4 24-26.

Mitchell, G., and Templeton, M. (2014). Ethical considerations of doll therapy for individuals with dementia. Nursing ethics. 21(6) 720-730.

Moudatou, M., Stavropoulou, A., Philalithis, A., and Koukouli, S. (2020). The role of empathy in health and social care staff. Healthcare. 8 section 1 26.

Whiting, L. Petty, J., Littlechild, B. and Rogers. S. (2021). Undertaking pre-pilot work to achieve empathetic insight into the participant’s perspective. Research nurse. 29 section 4 19-26

Whiting, L. Petty, J., Littlechild, B. and Roberts, S. and Mills, K. [Accepted June 2023]. Gaining empathetic insight into parenting: Evaluating infant simulation dolls for skilled learning. Health and social work.

Yu, C. C., Tan, L., Le, M. K., Tang, B., Liaw, S. Y., Tierney, T.,… and Low, J. A. (2022). Developing empathy within the health care setting: A qualitative approach. BMC Medical Education. 22 section 1 1-13.

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