Advancing Maternal Care

The MUSC College of Nursing is taking bold steps to address one of the nation's most urgent health care challenges—maternal and fetal mortality—through an innovative educational project titled "SIM VS Fetal Monitor: Advancing Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Skills Through Experiential Learning.

Led by Megan Honaker, DNP, RN, Instructor, and Allison Adrian, Ph.D., RN, CNE, Instructor, the project is being implemented within the Women's Health course of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. More than 100 students are expected to benefit directly from this pilot initiative.

The project tackles the critical issue of rising maternal mortality in the United States and high infant and fetal mortality rates in South Carolina by enhancing clinical competence in fetal heart rate monitoring (FHRM). FHRM is a cornerstone skill in ensuring the delivery of quality, evidence-based care during labor and delivery.

Central to this initiative is the integration of SIM VS tablets—portable, cost-effective devices that simulate electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). These tablets enable students to analyze fetal heart rate and uterine activity patterns, identify potential clinical risks, and take appropriate and timely actions. Their use supports equitable access to learning for all students, particularly those who may not receive EFM exposure in clinical placements.

The SIM VS Fetal Monitor System complements classroom instruction with simulation-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Initially, students will interact with the tablets during lecture to reinforce foundational EFM knowledge. Simulation days will offer opportunities to apply these skills in high-fidelity obstetric scenarios. The project will also expand to include interdisciplinary simulations, such as a Simulated Interprofessional Rounding Experience (SIRE), which will create team-based learning opportunities across health care disciplines.

Beyond the classroom, the project's potential scalability is significant. Tablets can be used in other MUSC programs, interprofessional education (IPE) activities, career fairs, and staff development initiatives. The Women's Health classroom and simulation spaces are already designated for this purpose, and the project's infrastructure needs are supported by leadership.

To measure success, the team will evaluate improvements in exam scores related to EFM, student engagement, and confidence through pre- and post-tests, simulation reflections and interprofessional evaluation tools. The project's sustainability is also secured, with supervisor-approved plans for ongoing funding and equipment replacement.

The SIM VS Fetal Monitor project aligns with competencies in informatics, health care technologies and quality and safety. It also advances MUSC's mission of fostering innovation, impact and influence in nursing education.

By preparing future nurses with critical skills and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the project equips graduates to drive improvements in maternal and fetal health outcomes—ultimately helping to build healthier communities across South Carolina and beyond.