Debriefing for Professional Practice Placements in Nursing: A Concept Analysis

The aim of the study was to provide an in-depth analysis on the concept of debriefing for professional practice placements within baccalaureate nursing education.

When conducted properly, debriefing leads to positive outcomes on undergraduate nursing students' learning. However, if debriefing is conducted poorly, it can inhibit students' learning. Clarification of debriefing as a concept in professional practice placements is integral to its development and successful use within undergraduate nursing education.

The Walker and Avant concept analysis model was used in this study.

The analysis identified four defining attributes (description, emotion, analytical reflection, application), three antecedents (an experience, a supportive and respectful environment, and a competent and knowledgeable debrief facilitator), and three consequences (increased knowledge, increased confidence in knowledge, and increased clinical judgment/clinical decision making).

Knowledge of the defining attributes, antecedents, consequences of debriefing, and empiric referents assists educators in developing successful debriefing frameworks and instrument evaluation criteria for use in professional practice placements.