Debriefing

Set time aside for reflection

Whether you’re taking the time to reflect on an event on your own or with a member of the team, allocating time to reflect is the first step. This allows space and time for processing of what has occurred.

Create a calm and open environment

This can consist of:

• A place that is quiet and private

• Out of the clinical space entirely (Getting outdoors can assist with alleviating tensions)

• Creating a sense of safety, clear of judgment, and remaining open and engaged.

Ask open questions

Asking either yourself or the individual open questions, allows discussion to flow freely.

consider questions like:

• what was the scenario?

• what was done well?

• what could be done differently?

• how does this make you/me feel?

• what have I learnt?

Benefits of debriefing

By encouraging the practice of debriefing, it can boost team morale and ensure that check-ins with both yourself and your team are carried out in a productive manner.

it also allows for better processing of an event/ case by prompting reflection in a constructive way.

it can also help reduce the ‘weight’ of the scenario and prevent a negative inner dialogue, long after the events have occurred.