Future of obstetrics: New simulation laboratory opened in Giessen!

Future of obstetrics: New simulation laboratory opened in Giessen!

On July 16, 2025, the simulation laboratory for births at the Faculty of Medicine at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) will open. This innovative laboratory is intended to offer midwifery students the opportunity to learn in a practical and simulation-based manner. The use of state-of-the-art technologies, such as the birth simulator Lucina and the newborn simulator Luna, is the focus of the training. The aim is to optimally prepare prospective midwives for clinical challenges such as: uni-giessen.de reported.

The Lucina simulator is able to simulate both vaginal and surgical births. This can be used to recreate critical emergencies including shoulder dystocia, hemorrhage and umbilical cord prolapse. Vital signs of the “birthing woman” can be controlled, which creates realistic conditions. The newborn simulator Luna, on the other hand, is specially designed for the initial care and resuscitation of newborns and can simulate infants up to 28 days after birth.

Technology and practical training

In addition to hands-on practice with the simulators, a training package is provided that includes real-size maternal and fetal mannequins. These have expandable joints and a flexible uterus. A particularly outstanding innovation is the use of Microsoft's HoloLens glasses, which enable course participants to follow birth processes in 3D. This allows them to practice realistically and learn basic obstetric skills.

Lecturers support the participants by simulating changes such as blood pressure and pulse. This is an essential part of the training to give learners situational control in different scenarios. In addition, fictitious patient dossiers are provided that contain information on allergies, intolerance reactions and vital signs of mother and child. This information is displayed on the screen and promotes understanding of individual patient situations, such as h-och.ch notes.

Planned expansions and inauguration

In the first phase, the simulation laboratory will be used primarily by midwifery students in the dual bachelor's degree program in midwifery science. In the long term, however, an expansion of interprofessional teaching is planned so that medical students can also benefit from these advanced training options. The official inauguration of the Skills Lab “Birth Simulation” will take place on July 16, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a welcoming speech by Prof. Dr. Ivo Meinhold-Heerlein will be held at 5 p.m. The event takes place in the Medical Teaching Center, Room 2, Klinikstrasse 29 in Giessen.

The use of such modern technologies and materials is intended to usher in a new era of practical training in obstetrics. This promises not only an improvement in training standards, but ultimately also greater patient safety in obstetric facilities.