Debriefing

So.  You’ve just run a simulation event. 

You’ve incorporated a variety of those communication techniques, and carried a group of engaged, willing participants over the finish line to complete the exercise and meet the learning objective.

What’s next? 

How do you wrap up all the learning experiences and outcomes from the simulation event?

Well, next, we debrief. 

A debrief is “a discussion between two or more individuals in which aspects of a performance are explored and analysed with the aim of gaining insight that impacts the quality of future clinical practice,”

Debriefing is a strategy for facilitators and participants to have conversations about what they just experienced, and are an opportunity to release emotional tension built up during the simulation.

Debriefs provide an opportunity for you to answer questions and clarify thinking of participants, as well as to summarise the learning and link the simulation back to the real world.

Debriefs also promote the reflective process individually, and as a group, allowing for peer review and engaging observers into the learning experience through discussions. 

So what should you debrief?

When conducting a debrief, focus on the desired learning outcomes of the event, allowing flexibility to address opportunistic learning points and addressing patient needs. 

Actions that lead to positive outcomes need to be analysed and exemplified, whereas actions that lead to negative outcomes needs to be analysed and changed.

And finally make sure you prioritise debriefing points, as it’s not possible to address everything in the session. 

So now let’s take a look at how you plan and conduct a debrief.