Debriefing Gold: Harnessing the Power of Debriefing Data to Inform Education

Abstract

Debriefing is a critical element in healthcare, both in the clinical environment and in the simulation lab. Often, what is said at a debriefing is not recorded, leading to loss of critical data that could be used to inform future simulations, education, and systems improvement. In this perspective piece, we explain the powerful role that capturing debriefing data can have for identifying themes to improve learners’ knowledge and skills, as well as inform data-driven systems change and initiatives.