[Debriefing in pediatric emergency care]

Communication errors and system problems negatively impact teamwork and shared decision-making and can cause patient harm. However, regular debriefings after critical events positively impact teamwork and patient outcome in pediatric emergency care. Team reflection promotes learning, helps teams to improve and to minimize errors from being repeated in the future. Nevertheless, debriefings in daily practice have not yet become a standard quality marker. Reasons include lack of time, lack of experienced debriefers and lack of support from the key stakeholders. Debriefings can take place at different timepoints with variable duration as needed. Due to the global pandemic, virtual debriefings or hybrid events with a mix of virtual and in-person participation are not only currently relevant but may perhaps also be of future relevance. Debriefings should focus on collaborative learning and future-oriented improvements. Not only life-threatening events but also potentially critical situations such as routine intubations warrant debriefings. Debriefing scripts promote a structured approach and allow even inexperienced moderators to navigate all relevant aspects. In addition to areas of challenge, debriefings should also explore and reinforce positive performance to facilitate learning from success. Debriefers should discuss not only obvious observable accomplishments, but also motivations behind key behaviors. This strategy promotes needs-based learning and focuses on solutions. Helpful strategies include specific questioning techniques, genuine interest and a positive safety culture.