Debrief

Question: Can you elaborate on a time when you engaged in both a VGS self-debrief and a group debrief? How did participating in both of these add to your learning experience?

I remember playing a VGS and being really frustrated with the wording of one of the decision point questions. Having previously worked on creating VGS, I knew how much attention goes into crafting the script, which helped temper my frustration during my self-debrief. During the group debrief, a few other students mentioned the same issue, and it was such a feeling of relief to know that my thinking was not entirely out to lunch.  ~ David Beazely

When I was completing my third-year virtual placement, we had the opportunity to engage in the Pediatric Patient with an Acute Injury and Post-Operative Event VGS. During the self-debrief time I was able to reflect on how the experience made me feel, including decisions that I was unsure about and those that I was confident in. What I found great about the self-debrief time was it gave me the opportunity to identify my learning gaps from the incorrect decision points. It also allowed me to identify unanswered questions which I could ask the group. During the group debrief time, we were all encouraged to share our thoughts and ask questions. This was a great opportunity to hear the thoughts of my peers and reflect on the questions they had, some of which really made me think critically about the experience and its application for my future clinical practice.  ~ Esther Bodach

I remember when I first completed the Meal Assistance VGS and did a self-debrief. It was nice to have the time to go through the game at my own pace and revisit the decision points while I was reflecting. I wrote down my thoughts and questions, and the next day I had the opportunity to share my reflection at the group debrief in class. It was interesting to hear about the different points my peers brought up that I did not consider prior. This process helped me generate new ideas and further prepared me for clinical practice.  ~ Caitlin Cosgrove

During a self-debrief, it is more of a reflective process since you analyze your thoughts and feelings towards the VGS and you ponder on the reason why you made those choices during the game and how this VGS will inform your own practice going forward. Whereas, in a group debrief, it is more of a collaborative planning process and how our individual experiences of the game made the group feel as a collective. Group debriefs are beneficial in recognizing patterns because, depending on the similarity or differences in our choices and emotions, we can compare our results and identify trends or gaps to enhance our learning.  ~ Starr Ferguson

During this past semester, I had the opportunity to do a self debrief for the Prenatal Nursing Care simulation. While playing this VGS, I found myself going to other sources to learn more about prenatal health. For example, I had to figure out what preeclampsia means, as I did not understand that term while watching the gaming scenario. Using the Perry’s Maternal textbook, I found out the meaning which helped me understand that it is important to assess preeclampsia in the urine sample. So, from doing the self debrief, it gave me the opportunity to identify my learning gaps from the incorrect decision points I made in the game. As we did a group debrief in class, we had the opportunity to talk about the simulation, and we as a class figured that we struggled with a calculation that was present in the simulation (ie: Naegele’s Rule). It was a calculation that I too felt a bit confusing at first, and so I was happy that I was not the only one feeling this way. The professor taught us step by step on how to calculate it, and it indeed helped all of us a lot.  ~ Kevin George

Question: In your experience when participating in a VGS, what factors made you feel safe and what factors made you feel confident to contribute ideas during the VGS debrief time?

When playing a VGS, I learn more from the incorrect choices I make rather than the correct ones. Comprehensive rationales for incorrect decisions are something that helps me feel more comfortable and confident later in the debriefing sessions. A comprehensive rationale acts as a detour to help guide me toward the correct choice rather than a complete dead-end. The debrief then becomes more about sharing how we all take different paths to reach the same destination.  ~ David Beazely

In my experience, when participating in a VGS debrief time there were several factors which made me feel safe to contribute ideas. One major factor was when the instructor prefaced that everything discussed in the room would remain in the room and would not be shared. As well, when I spoke up and my peers seemed interested and affirming my ideas, this also made me feel safe. Factors that made me feel confident to express my ideas was knowledge of the topic which many times was the result of completing the pre-simulation readings, also having the desire to learn from my peers and knowing that ideas not shared cannot be responded to.  ~ Esther Bodach

While participating in the Home Visit VGS, the Faculty Lead immediately made me feel safe in the group debrief by verbalizing the rules. They let us know right away that it was a safe and confidential space where you can share your thoughts and feelings freely. I think it was important for me to hear the Faculty Lead create this verbal contract because debriefs can make people feel vulnerable or judged. ~ Caitlin Cosgrove

Everyone on the team is very open-minded and we all encourage each other to share new ideas. It was a great experience working on a team where everyone’s contribution is valued, and where there is a mutual respect for all members.  ~ Starr Ferguson

In my experience while participating in the VGS, during the first meeting, I recollect the faculty letting us know that this is a safe space, and that we should not feel afraid to let out our thoughts and feelings during the debrief time. I also notice that my fellow student researchers respect each other, and provide encouragement like “that’s a great idea,” and things like that. It has indeed made me feel more confident to contribute any ideas I had during the VGS debrief time.  ~ Kevin George