A Nursing Simulation Pilot Study Comparing Art-Enhanced Debriefing and Traditional Debriefing

Abstract

Background: The use of pictures or art-cards during debriefing may help deepen self-reflection and add a new unexplored dimension to simulation. Purpose: This study evaluated the use of art-cards (various interesting pictures attached to 6 × 8 file cards) to help nursing students with their reflections on their “clinical take home” learning. Research questions addressed the differences in the number of words and the kinds of words used when students debriefed with and without art cards. Methods: A quasi-experimental mixed methods cross over design was used for this study. A convenience sample of 42 students serving as their own controls participated in two medical surgical simulation scenarios; one scenario was conducted with debriefing in the traditional manner and the other after choosing an art card to depict their feelings. All scenarios were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: There was a significant increase in the number of words spoken when using pictures. Three themes were identified in the students’ words when pictures were used: channeling feelings, making sense, and becoming. Conclusion: Findings from this pilot study indicate that art-card enhanced debriefing may help students to integrate learning and emotions in new ways, raising new and intriguing research questions.