Debriefing for formative assessment: Essential skills

Abstract

<p>Debriefing in simulation based healthcare education is critical to learning in the overall simulation experience. This preconference workshop familiarizes participants with the theory and practice of conducting formative assessments in debriefings. There are several critical steps in this process. These steps include identifying a performance gap, providing feedback, investigating the basis for the gap, and closing the gap. Learning in simulation is dependent on the integration of experience and reflection. It is the primary responsibility of the debriefing facilitator to employ strategies that guide the participants through the reflective learning process. Debriefing discussions must also balance the educator&rsquo;s learning objectives with the participants&rsquo; learning needs. Often the two can be easily integrated; however, debriefing discussion should be primarily driven by the participants&rsquo; objectives with the intent of closing the gap between desired and actual performance. This workshop will focus on developing advocacy/inquiry questioning techniques under the guidance of a team of debriefing experts. Given the importance and complexity of debriefing, it is essential that educators develop debriefing skills that are based on identified best practices. Drawing on evidence from the aviation industry, organizational behavior, healthcare simulation, and INACSL Standards of Best Practice, this workshop will provide participants with deliberate practice and coaching with the primary goal of introducing participants to a method of stimulating reflective discussion during debriefing. Using an interactive format, debriefing experts will work with small groups of learners to coach and give feedback as they develop and refine their debriefing skills.</p>