Simulation debriefing as part of simulation for clinical teaching and learning in nursing education: A scoping review

To map the evidence of the simulation debriefing phase in simulation activities of nursing education, to address and inform clinical teaching and learning in nursing.

A scoping review.

A systematic review of literature published between 2008-2021 was conducted using CINAHL & ERIC, MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycInfo, the Cochrane Library and JBI Evidence synthesis. Inclusion criteria were primary studies published in English on simulation debriefing at all levels in nursing education.

Of 140 included references, only 80% (N = 112) framed simulation debriefing theoretically either by specific theories/models or as a literature review of the topic. A variety of simulation debriefing methods were identified; however, debriefing methods were only described in 79% (N = 110) of the references. There appears to be a gap in consensus concerning the theoretical or methodological frameworks characterizing simulation debriefing in nursing education. The majority of studies (86%) were conducted at a bachelor's degree level (N = 121).