Patient-oriented debriefing: Impact of real patients participation during debriefing

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the impact of the participation of real patients during debriefing (using patient as co-debriefer). Method: A mixed study on the perceptions of students (n¼81) and patients as co-debriefers (n¼6) was conducted after performing simulated experiences that were directly related to the health problem. Results: Qualitative results: valuable and enriching learning experience, harmonious and integrated codebriefing, no preference for clinical aspects, compassion and empathy were generated, and the perception of being a therapeutic experience for patients was evident. Questionnaire results: students scored high in learning dimensions M¼14.81 (SD¼0.701), empathy M¼4.57 (SD¼0.96), positive perceptions regarding the debriefing M ¼ 14.56 (SD ¼ 1.09), and satisfaction M ¼ 14.69 (SD ¼ 0.78). Conclusion: This study underlines the benefits and the characteristics perceived by using real patients as co-debriefers.