The effect of wearable simulated birth model on students’ empathy and privacy protection levels: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background Simulation-based education is widely used to enhance clinical competence and communication skills in health professions. However, limited evidence exists on combined educational models that integrate simulation with structured counseling to strengthen empathy and privacy protection among midwifery students. Methods This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a two-component educational intervention—wearable birth simulation followed by seven weeks of structured counseling—on students’ empathic tendency and privacy protection competencies. A total of 105 final-year midwifery students were randomly assigned to three groups: normal birth simulation (n = 35), breech birth simulation (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Data were collected at four time points using the Empathic Tendency Scale and the Privacy Protection in Obstetrics and Gynecology Scale. Mixed-model analyses were applied. Results Students in the breech birth simulation group demonstrated significantly higher empathy scores compared with the control group (p = 0.025). Across all groups, empathy and privacy awareness increased significantly over time (p < 0.001). However, the intervention did not produce significant improvements in the frequency of applying privacy-protective behaviors (p > 0.05). Conclusions The combined intervention—simulation followed by structured counseling—enhanced students’ empathy and awareness regarding privacy protection, although behavioral change did not occur to the same extent. Integrating multi-component educational strategies into midwifery curricula may strengthen both emotional and cognitive dimensions of respectful maternity care. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05864859. Registered on 05 May 2023.