The 3D Model of Debriefing, which stands for Defusing, Discovering, and Deepening, offers a structured approach to reflection and learning from experiences. This model can be particularly effective following medication administration sessions in clinical settings, helping both clinical instructors and students to reflect on the experience, understand the learning outcomes, and identify areas for improvement.

Here are some guidelines for conducting a post-medication administration debriefing using the 3D model:

Defusing

Objective

To reduce tension and normalize the emotional climate, making it conducive to open discussion.

Guidelines

• Start with a brief relaxation exercise or a few moments of silence to allow everyone to calm down and collect their thoughts.
• Acknowledge the emotional aspects of the experience, allowing students to express initial feelings about the medication administration process in a safe environment.
• Emphasize that the debriefing is a non-judgmental space focused on learning and growth.

Discovering

Objective

To explore the events and actions taken during the medication administration process, focusing on understanding what happened and why.

Guidelines

• Ask open-ended questions to guide students through a reflective analysis of the medication administration experience. For example, “What was your thought process when selecting the medication?” or “How did you ensure you were administering the medication safely?”
• Encourage students to describe their actions, decisions, and any challenges they encountered. Highlight both positive outcomes and areas where there was a deviation from the expected process.
• Facilitate a discussion on the rationale behind medication administration practices, including the importance of the 10 rights, patient interaction, and response monitoring.

Deepening

Objective

To consolidate learning by connecting the experience to broader nursing principles and identifying future learning opportunities.

Guidelines

• Guide students to reflect on how this experience has impacted their understanding of safe medication administration and patient care.
• Discuss how the lessons learned can be applied to future clinical situations. For example, “How will this experience influence your approach to checking patient allergies or confirming patient identity in the future?”
• Set specific, actionable goals for improvement, such as practicing medication calculations or developing strategies for managing anxiety during medication administration.
• Conclude the debriefing by summarizing key learnings and affirming the value of continuous improvement and reflection in clinical practice.