De-stressing From Distress: Preliminary Evaluation of a Nurse-Led Brief Debriefing Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Critical Care Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Distressing events in critical care units negatively impact staff well-being.
• Existing strategies for processing difficult incidents are insufficient, highlighting the need for structured debriefing tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an innovative nurse-led debriefing program designed for real-time use after distressing events.
• To assess the program's impact on interdisciplinary team members' coping and job satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A nurse-led, evidence-based debriefing process was implemented in an acute care unit.
• The program facilitated interdisciplinary group debriefings following distressing events over a 2-year period.
• Data were collected on participation rates and participant feedback regarding the debriefing's benefits.

Main Results:

• 104 real-time debriefings involving over 380 staff were conducted.
• Emergent situations and disruptive patient/family behavior were primary triggers for debriefings.
• Over 80% of participants found the debriefing beneficial, aiding in trauma coping and recommending the program.

Conclusions:

• Interdisciplinary teams readily engage in brief, nurse-led debriefing programs.
• This nurse-led debriefing intervention is effective in supporting staff after distressing events in critical care settings.
• The program's success extended beyond its initial implementation site.