The critical nature of debriefing in high-fidelity simulation-based training for improving team communication in emergency resuscitation

Emergency resuscitation in intensive care units (ICUs) requires effective team communication to orchestrate the joint performance of several individuals. Although team simulation training has proven an effective means to improve communication skills in high-risk environments, the influence of debriefing content on simulation-based learning is less clear. In this study, 10 ICU teams completed three consecutive cardiac resuscitation scenarios, followed by a 3-month follow-up. Control teams received a debriefing on the basis of resuscitation technical skills after each of the first three scenarios, whereas the experimental teams' debriefing focused on team communication. Results showed that although information sharing improved for all teams, communication quality improved only for experimental teams, and these training benefits dissipated after 3 months. The study helps develop a methodology for assessing team communication and highlights the importance of frequent team simulation-based training and debriefing in emergency medicine that includes both technical and nontechnical skills.