PURPOSE:
Midwifery education must evolve to reflect the complexity of real-world maternity care. At Swansea University, our midwifery team has embedded simulation-based education (SBE) across all academic levels beginning with focused, student-centred scenarios and expanding to fully integrated, interprofessional training grounded in national standards such as PROMPT Wales. We recognise and value the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences for the benefit of coeducation.

DISCUSSION:
Our journey began with small-scale simulation focused on the foundations of midwifery practice such as communication, compassionate care and safe physiological birth. The team underwent specific training to deliver simulation using the SUSiM framework and RUST debrief model to build student confidence and reflective capacity. Over time, SBE expanded to include students from paramedicine, mental health nursing, operating department practice, and social work. Scenarios progressed in complexity, aligned to a spiral curriculum, and were co-facilitated in English and Welsh to support inclusive education. Senior students participated in PROMPT based interprofessional SBE. These sessions addressed obstetric emergencies with structured escalation, role clarity, and shared decision-making. Faculty development and peer mentorship underpinned high-quality delivery.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Student feedback has been consistently positive, with evaluations averaging 4.8/5. Learners reported increased preparedness for clinical practice and deeper understanding of team roles. Psychological safety was cited as key to this confidence building, a known contributor to both simulation effectiveness and team performance. Literature supports SBE's capacity to improve care quality, safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It enables ethical, immersive learning without patient risk and facilitates behaviour change through realism, reflection, and debriefing.

KEY MESSAGE:
Strategically embedded simulation, grown through collaboration, prepares midwifery students for complexity in maternity care through safe, inclusive, and transformative educational practice. It enhances student confidence in delivering holistic midwifery care, promotes positive outcomes for women and their families, and supports equity, diversity, and inclusion through bilingual delivery and interprofessional learning environments. Poster session 3 (Group B)