Examining the Effectiveness of Debriefing at the Point of Care in Simulation-Based Operating Room Team Training

Objectives: We examined the extent to which characteristics of effective debriefing were observed when conducting high-fidelity, simulation-based operating room (OR) team training under tight time constraints in the actual OR. Methods: The entire OR general surgical staff at an academically-affiliated hospital participated in half-day training sessions. After-action debriefing discussions regarding teamwork followed each of two immersive scenarios. Sessions were videotaped and then assessed by two trained, independent raters using an instrument based on characteristics of effective debriefing. Calculation of Kappa coefficient was used to determine inter-rater reliability. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Introductions, rapportbuilding, and identifying intentions for behavior change were very positive features of the sessions. Most other item mean scores (e.g., process and closure characteristics) were at or slightly below the scale midpoint. Conclusion: Effective debriefing can occur even when time and space are limited. However, careful attention to questioning and facilitation skills is essential.