AU Nursing Utilizes Cutting-Edge AvBirth Technology

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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University’s School of Nursing continues to innovate for its students, and recently introduced the AvBirth to its simulation lab.

Recent research has shown that using standardized patients (real people) is preferred by simulation participants because it provides increased realism. AvBirth is a wearable device that allows AU’s nursing students to interact with a standardized patient during a simulation involving pregnancy and delivery.

“The utilization of AvBirth allows our nursing faculty to incorporate teaching strategies to foster our nursing student’s clinical reasoning and clinical judgment skills,” said Dr. Lynn Schmidt, dean of the School of Nursing and Kinesiology.

AU was the first school to purchase AvBirth, a product from Avkin which specializes in wearable technology to bring simulations to life.

“With a real person as the patient, the students have the opportunity to develop and improve their therapeutic communication skills, which is vital in healthcare,” said Richelle Wilson, simulation director and assistant professor of nursing. “As great as our high-fidelity mannequins are, they don’t react the same way as a real person.”

AU received the AvBirth technology in the fall of 2022.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.