Abstract

Background: Best debriefing practices include debriefing by a competent facilitator in a safe environment using a structured framework (Decker et al., 2013). Yet, structured frameworks and evaluation of debriefing are lacking in nursing education (Fey, 2014; Waznonis, 2015). A large-scale mixed methods study was conducted to describe simulation debriefing practices (SDP) of faculty in accredited, traditional, baccalaureate in nursing degree (BSN) programs in the United States. The interview findings from the study are presented to enable the learner to use findings to lessen the gap between current SDP and the best practice standard for debriefing.

Method: The study design was qualitative description with an embedded quantitative strand, allowing for the supplemental survey data collection prior to the interviews (Creswell & Clark, 2011). Interview participants were a subset of survey respondents who facilitated debriefing during the 2013 to 2014 academic year. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and corrected for accuracy. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2006). Data were collected until saturation occurred.

Findings: Twenty-three faculty members participated in interviews. All participants were full time faculty, with an average of six years of simulation debriefing experience. Three themes emerged with sub-themes: (a) Having the students' best interest at heart, (b) Getting over the emotional hurdle, and (c) Intentional debriefing evolves into learning.

Conclusions: Gaps were found in faculty development, use of a structured framework, and evaluation. Research is warranted on use of video, post-debriefing assignments, co-facilitation, and debriefing effectiveness.

Author Details

Annette R. Waznonis, PhD, RN

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Lead Author Affiliation

International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Clinical Simulation, Debriefing, Structured Framework

Conference Name

INACSL Conference

Conference Host

International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning

Conference Location

Grapevine, Texas, USA

Conference Year

2016

Rights Holder

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All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Moving towards best simulation debriefing practices: The simulation debriefing study

Grapevine, Texas, USA

Background: Best debriefing practices include debriefing by a competent facilitator in a safe environment using a structured framework (Decker et al., 2013). Yet, structured frameworks and evaluation of debriefing are lacking in nursing education (Fey, 2014; Waznonis, 2015). A large-scale mixed methods study was conducted to describe simulation debriefing practices (SDP) of faculty in accredited, traditional, baccalaureate in nursing degree (BSN) programs in the United States. The interview findings from the study are presented to enable the learner to use findings to lessen the gap between current SDP and the best practice standard for debriefing.

Method: The study design was qualitative description with an embedded quantitative strand, allowing for the supplemental survey data collection prior to the interviews (Creswell & Clark, 2011). Interview participants were a subset of survey respondents who facilitated debriefing during the 2013 to 2014 academic year. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and corrected for accuracy. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2006). Data were collected until saturation occurred.

Findings: Twenty-three faculty members participated in interviews. All participants were full time faculty, with an average of six years of simulation debriefing experience. Three themes emerged with sub-themes: (a) Having the students' best interest at heart, (b) Getting over the emotional hurdle, and (c) Intentional debriefing evolves into learning.

Conclusions: Gaps were found in faculty development, use of a structured framework, and evaluation. Research is warranted on use of video, post-debriefing assignments, co-facilitation, and debriefing effectiveness.