10–11 Improving simulation debriefing for an effective learning experience

Abstract

Introduction Simulation is widely regarded as a crucial part of learning development. Through creating experiences that mimic everyday events, participants are able to reflect on their actions within a safe environment. Debriefing is a guided reflection in the cycle of experiential learning. It is a powerful tool which is ’the heart and soul’ of the simulated experience. The Dynamic Debriefing Course was introduced at Medway Maritime Hospital and designed to focus specifically on the debriefing aspect of facilitating a simulation. Our aim was to assess the experience of simulation facilitators within the Trust and how the course could aid in effectively running future simulation debriefing sessions. Methods We analysed demographic data, previous simulation experience and participants’ expectations of the debriefing course by providing pre- and post- course questionnaires. This was followed by an interval questionnaire to assess the impact of the course one month later after having implemented the newly learnt debriefing skills. We collated the data and presented it using descriptive statistics. Results Fifteen participants undertook the Dynamic Debriefing course in March 2016 at Medway Maritime Hospital. All those who attended had run prior simulation sessions. 73% had attended a previous training course. The results showed an increase in confidence level in debriefing after the course. Overall the participants felt that their expectations of the course had been met. The interval questionnaire results demonstrated that participants felt debriefing was important in the clinical setting as well as after simulation and that the skills they had acquired would be beneficial for both. 80% expressed an interest in a Trust Wide debriefing tool to facilitate debriefing in the clinical setting. Conclusion Following our findings and a literature review on existing debriefing models, we created the ‘STARS Dynamic Debriefing Tool’ (see Figure 1) which was piloted at the second Dynamic Debriefing Course in February 2017. Participants reported that the tool was beneficial in providing structure and delivery to debriefing sessions. The results show that the course gave participants more confidence to debrief effectively in future simulation sessions and provided them with skills that would be beneficial in the clinical setting. We plan to make the STARS Dynamic Debriefing Tool available on the intranet for use in simulation debriefing sessions throughout the Trust. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Dr Felicity Brokke (Neonatal Consultant, Medway Maritime Hospital) for her guidance and support.