Definitions

The following definitions are useful in understanding the many different styles of debriefing.

• Debriefing: A foundational component of simulation design where learning occurs through a facilitated, systematic process of reflection (Eppich & Cheng, 2015).
• Virtual debriefing: A post-simulation debrief that occurs virtually, in a partially immersive, screen-based experience where educators employ web-based video conferencing platforms to facilitate reflection on simulation events and decisions (Abraham et al., 2018; Cheng et al., 2020).
• Analytics: The individual summary or report of learner actions/decisions made during the simulation.
• Facilitated synchronous: A post-simulation debrief where all learners simultaneously attend a facilitated debriefing together on a computer-based platform (i.e., Zoom, Blackboard, Teams).
• Facilitated asynchronous: A post-simulation debrief where learners, at separate times, respond to a series of discussion questions using an online platform (i.e., forums within learning management software). Discussion questions are posted by the facilitator who is responsible for monitoring/moderating the discussion and responding to learners’ posts.
• Co-debriefing: A debriefing session that is facilitated by two or more individuals experienced in simulation debriefing.
• Self-debrief: A learning activity, typically written, that is individually completed by the learner after the simulation. The self-debrief includes a series of questions developed using a debriefing framework. This can be a standalone activity or done in preparation for a small or large group debriefing session (Goldsworthy & Verkuyl, 2021; Verkuyl et al., 2019).
• Debriefing the debriefer: A form of professional development where two or more educators, using observation and feedback, voluntarily work together to improve their debriefing skills.
• Small group: A post simulation debriefing conducted with two to ten learners (Adamason, 2015; Verkuyl et al., 2019).
• Large group: A debriefing that occurs with 12 to a maximum of 30 learners.
• In-person debrief: The simulation takes place virtually, however, the debrief takes place face- to- face. In-person debriefing is heavily documented and is not covered in this chapter. Please refer to Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice™ (INACSL, 2021) for more on in-person debriefing.
• Combined debrief: The debriefing consists of a self-debrief followed by a synchronous or asynchronous group debrief which may be held virtually or in-person.
• Debriefing Principles: Foundational principles that guide the debriefing process that are well-articulated in the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice™ (INACSL, 2021).