Critical event debriefing: a checklist for the aftermath

Area of Science:

• Perioperative Medicine
• Medical Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Millions of critical events occur annually in perioperative settings.
• Real-time critical event debriefing offers significant benefits but is underutilized.
• Addressing team well-being and burnout is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence-based best practices for proximal critical event debriefing.
• To provide a framework for implementing effective real-time debriefings.
• To enhance the quality and frequency of critical event debriefings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of evidence-based best practices for proximal critical event debriefing.
• Development of the WATER mnemonic (Welfare check, Acute/short-term corrections, Team reactions and reflections, Education, Resource awareness and longer term needs) as a cognitive aid.
• Identification of key processes for effective debriefing.

Main Results:

• The WATER mnemonic outlines essential steps for proximal debriefing: assessing team welfare, addressing immediate issues, facilitating reflection, identifying educational opportunities, and planning follow-up.
• A cognitive aid accompanies the mnemonic to support practical application.
• Evidence-based practices can bridge the gap between debriefing theory and clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• There is a growing body of literature supporting proximal perioperative critical event debriefing.
• Implementing evidence-based practices and cognitive aids can improve the quality and frequency of debriefings.
• Effective debriefing is crucial for addressing burnout, enhancing wellness, and improving overall patient care.