Diversifying Description Phase Techniques During Debriefing

The description phase of debriefing in simulation is an essential moment for reconstructing the sequence of events, consolidating learning, and preparing a rigorous analytical reflection. It is configured as a primarily collective process aimed at generating a shared mental model of what occurred, labeling the key elements of the experience, and facilitating their retention in long-term memory. It also enables the precise identification of turning points and critical decisions, linking actions with their clinical, relational, and organizational consequences. Building on an ecosystem of variables—type and complexity of the simulation, nature of the objectives (technical and non-technical), characteristics and experience of participants, number of agents involved, time available, and facilitator expertise—the description phase can be structured through different visual and narrative techniques. These include chronological axes by levels, by agents, or by objectives, as well as contrast, 5W, and event matrices, which allow information to be organized according to roles, sequences, resources, and macro-sequences of action. This repertoire of structures supports methodological customization of debriefing, enhances the clarity and organization of information, promotes early identification of critical aspects, and increases the precision of subsequent analysis. Such diversification of descriptive techniques raises challenges related to the need for specific training, the risk of selecting structures based on merely formal criteria, and the time constraints inherent to many simulation activities. Further research is proposed on the comparative impact of each technique in different contexts, as well as on their influence on the cognitive load of facilitators and participants. These techniques ultimately offer flexible and purposeful frameworks for aligning case reconstruction with educational objectives and with the specific needs of each group.