Gladys Fernandez

Debriefing 101: training faculty to promote learning in simulation-based training

BACKGROUND Debriefing is recognized as essential for successful simulation-based training. Unfortunately, its effective use is variable. We developed a train the trainer workshop to teach key evidence-based components of effective debriefing. METHOD A workshop focusing on best practices for debriefing in surgical simulation-based training was developed for the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Association for Surgical Education. Content emphasized key theoretical concepts related to and evidence-based components of an effective debriefing. Additionally, the workshop incorporated experiential learning via active debriefing following a simulated scenario. RESULTS Content of the workshop emphasized effective debriefing as the key to learning in simulation-based education. Key elements of debriefing for educators to keep in mind include the following: approach, learning environment, engagement of learners, reaction, reflection, analysis, diagnosis, and application. CONCLUSIONS Effective debriefing is an essential skill for educators involved in surgical simulation-based training. Without it, learning opportunities are missed. Training the trainer in effective debriefing is essential to ensure standardization of practice.

Simulation-Based Selection of Surgical Trainees: Considerations, Challenges, and Opportunities

Received April 23, 2016; Revised May 17, 2016; Accepted May 23 From the Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwester cal Center, Dallas (Gardner), Department of Surgery, Houston M Hospital, Houston (Dunkin), TX, Department of Surgery, Uniform vices University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Bethesda, MD (Ritter), Department of Surgery, Louisiana State U Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA (Paige), Department o gency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, Akron, OH (Ahm Department of Surgery, Baystate Medical Center, Springfiel (Fernandez). Correspondence address: Aimee K Gardner, PhD, Department of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hin Dallas, TX 75390. email: aimee.gardner@utsouthwestern.edu