Debriefing: a therapeutic intervention

An injured soldier may not have the benefit of the mental health interventions available to other combatants. A team of psychiatric liaison nurses report on the therapeutic effects of debriefing in the treatment of the traumatically injured soldier. Debriefing not only affords an opportunity for the patient to share thoughts and feelings about the trauma, but provides additional data regarding effective coping mechanisms. This information also assists the health care team to identify individuals at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Patient teaching can then be directed toward helping each individual recognize the signs and symptoms of stress unique to him/her and mobilize a plan for obtaining assistance. Debriefing also assists the treatment team in identifying a soldier's specific information deficits regarding the system, i.e., medical boards and convalescent leaves.