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‘Take 10 to talk about it’: Use of a scripted, post‐event debriefing tool in a neonatal intensive care unit
Author(s) -
Gougoulis Anastasi,
Trawber Rory,
Hird Kathryn,
Sweetman Greg
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.14856
Subject(s) - debriefing , medicine , neonatal intensive care unit , nursing , event (particle physics) , medical emergency , medical education , psychiatry , physics , quantum mechanics
Aim This study assessed the impact of a scripted, post‐event debriefing tool in identifying logistical, procedural, personnel and performance obstacles and successes in a clinical setting. It was predicted that the debriefing tool would highlight the importance of routine debriefing following challenging clinical events. Methods The study was conducted in a 22‐bed neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary hospital and involved all staff members in the perinatal service. The debriefing tool, a two‐page form providing a structured, scripted approach, was used at the earliest opportunity after acute clinical deteriorations, emergency caesarean sections and any other critical events as decided by the neonatal team. Sessions were facilitated by either a nursing or medical member of the neonatal team. Following a 2‐month trial, impact was measured via the comparison of before and after survey questions as well as review of a database of issues raised, subsequent actions and outcomes. Results Significant, positive changes were observed for survey questions specific to the frequency of debriefing, team communication, provision of learning opportunities and identification of logistical, equipment and procedural issues. In addition, the database highlighted the significant positive impact in day‐to‐day practice as a result of changes initiated by the debriefing tool. All participants requested the unit to continue using the tool. Conclusion Scripted, post‐event debriefing is achievable and valuable in the clinical setting. It encourages a supportive workplace culture and empowers team members to initiate practical change in their organisations.