Background: COVID-19 has led to increased use of screen-based simulation. However, the importance of including a robust debriefing as a component of these simulations is often neglected. Problem: Failing to include debriefing with screen-based simulation could negatively impact student learning outcomes. Approach: Debriefing, including recollection, discussion to reveal understanding, feedback and reflection, is a process of helping learners make sense of learned content and knowledge as it is applied to the patient care experience. Debriefing for Meaningful Learning (DML) is an evidence-based method derived from theory, which can be easily incorporated into screen-based simulation to augment the clinical learning experience. Conclusion: By guiding learners to consistently engage in DML, clinical decisions and actions taken during virtual simulations can be uncovered, discussed, challenged, corrected, and explored. Including a synchronous, structured debriefing like DML ensures that screen-based simulation results in meaningful learning in addition to performance feedback to foster safe and quality patient care.
The current pandemic has required a quick response to the unprecedented suspension of face-to-face instruction in higher education worldwide. The rapid conversion of didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses to distance learning has been challenging, requiring integration of screen-based virtual simulations and other innovative learning activities. The importance of a robust debriefing of these learning opportunities is often neglected, which could be to the detriment of the students. Debriefing is based on strong narrative pedagogy, requiring an engaging and enthusiastic dialog. Despite long days of screen time, it is even more imperative to connect with students to create meaningful learning through a rich verbal debriefing.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.