Debriefing strategies for interprofessional simulation—a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education is becoming more common worldwide. Simulation is one format in which this can effectively take place. The debriefing after the simulation is a critical part of the simulation process as it allows reflection and discussion of concepts that arose during the simulation. Debriefing has been noted to be challenging in the literature. Debriefing after interprofessional simulation (IPS) is likely to have even more challenges, many related to the different backgrounds (profession, specialty) of the learners. This study was designed to investigate: ‘How do differing learner professions impact on delivery of post simulation debriefing after team based interprofessional simulation—what are the challenges and what strategies can be used to overcome them?’ METHODS: An initial review of the literature was used to identify current understanding and potential themes requiring further exploration. Using the results from the literature as a starting point for topics and questions to be asked, semi-structured interviews were planned, with those who are experienced in debriefing after IPS. The interviews were transcribed then analysed using a framework analysis. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in twenty relevant papers. Four dimensions were drawn out from these papers that were directly related to debriefing after IPS: ‘the debriefer’, ‘method of debriefing’, ‘the learner’ and ‘psychological safety’. Sixteen interviews occurred between June and August 2020. Ten themes were extracted from the analysis of the transcripts of these interviews: number and specialty of debriefers, credibility, assumptions/preconceptions, nurses vs doctors, method of debriefing, the learner, hierarchy, safe learning environment, inclusion of all learners, and number of debriefers. These themes were fitted in the four dimensions identified in the literature search, and discussed as so. CONCLUSION: Several challenges and strategies were identified during this study. ‘It depends’ was a common answer received in the interviews suggesting that there is very little advice that can be given that applies to every situation. The main recommendation from this study is the support for an interprofessional group of debriefers in IPS although this does introduce its own challenges. Further research is suggested around the hierarchy found in IPS debriefing and how this translates to and from clinical practice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41077-022-00214-3.