Exploring faculty preparation for and use of debriefing with the debriefing for meaningful learning inventory

Abstract

Debriefing is the most significant component of simulation, yet the impact of debriefer training for this critical time of learning has not been reported. Although training of debriefers in the use of a structured debriefing method has been recommended by nursing organizations and regulating bodies, a description of the impact of training on the understanding and application of debriefing within nursing programs is largely unknown. Debriefing for Meaningful Learning© (DML) is a structured, evidencebased debriefing method that promotes the development of clinical reasoning among prelicensure nursing students. DML has been adopted for use across the curriculum throughout nursing education. However, little is known regarding how debriefers are trained in this method and how that training impacts their understanding and application of the method. The DML Inventory (DMLI), was developed and tested for this research study, and used to assess and document 234 debriefers’ understanding of the central concepts of DML and subsequent application of DML behaviors during simulation debriefing with prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students. Statistically significant differences were found between those debriefers who had and had not been trained in DML. Statistically significant differences were also found in the understanding of the DML central concepts, and in the application of DML based on the types of training the debriefers received. viii The data indicate that DML trained debriefers consistently apply more DML behaviors than those who had not received training, and that multiple sources of training resulted in a more consistent application of DML debriefing behaviors. Furthermore, understanding the central concepts of DML resulted in debriefers consistently applying more debriefing behaviors consistent with the DML design. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge of debriefing in nursing education and training in evidence-based debriefing methods, by providing a tested instrument that can be used to assess debriefers using DML. The findings also demonstrate the impact of the type of training on how structured debriefing methods are then implemented in teaching-learning environments, which can be used to improve future training.