Debriefing: What is it?
Debriefing is considered a critical component in all types of simulation (Eppich & Cheng, 2015). The debrief helps learners develop reflective practice skills and apply requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to their clinical practice (Taplay et al., 2021). Debriefing is an activity that occurs during or following virtual gaming simulation play where participants reflect on their decisions and actions with a view to gaining knowledge and improving professional practice. Debriefing differs from simple reflection in that it is a deliberate, systematic process. The debriefing may be done by the individual learner or facilitated by an educator. During the debrief, learners react to the client scenario, think critically about their performance and identify knowledge gaps so they can create a plan for future learning to apply concepts as a professional in clinical practice situations (Abraham et al., 2018).
An excellent starting point for guidance related to debriefing is the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best PracticeTM The Debriefing Process. These standards outline the process and criteria for effective debriefing. In this chapter we will focus on the nuances specific to debriefing in the virtual game environment.
A virtual gaming simulation debrief can be conducted in many different ways: self-debrief, small or large group debrief and asynchronous debrief. The way educators choose to enact the virtual gaming simulation will inform their debriefing options. If the group virtual gaming simulation is be led by a facilitator, it makes sense to conduct an in-person debrief. The in-person debriefing process is well documented in the literature, therefore, it is not discussed in this resource. If the virtual gaming simulation is being played by learners individually, on their own time, then a self, asynchronous debrief, facilitated virtual synchronous debrief or combined debrief are viable options. This chapter will explore these types of debriefs in more detail.
In the following video, Dr. Sandra Goldsworthy, PhD, MSc, RN, CNCC(C), CMSN(C), CCSNE, from Nipissing University will provide an introduction into debriefing.
