Authors: Han-Oh Chung and Joshua Peachey

It’s important as a simulation leader to utilize all your tools efficiently to communicate the objectives of the simulation scenario.

Just like every simulation is unique, no two debriefs are the same. It is important as a simulation leader to utilize all your tools efficiently to communicate the objectives of the scenario. One of the most common tools available is the use of a video recording of the simulation session.

Consider these two scenarios and how the use of video recordings may facilitate the debrief:

• Participants are hostile or hesitant to participate in debriefs: The use of videos may stimulate discussion by encouraging a participant or confederate to comment on a specific event and break the proverbial ice.
• Participants have poor insight: Video recordings provide objective evidence for discussion points without risk of subjective bias.

As with any educational tool, so long as the limitations of the video recording are recognized, it can be an excellent adjunct for simulation debriefing .