Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Clinical Debriefing TALK©: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Clinical debriefing is a learning tool that promotes reflection after critical incidents, improving patient safety and professional performance. TALK© is a debriefing technique designed to facilitate structured team self-reflection after any learning event in clinical settings. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of fourth-year nursing students in clinical internships with clinical debriefing guided by the TALK© tool. Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted. Twenty-seven participants were recruited using purposeful sampling. The sample consisted of nursing students. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus groups, personal writings, and researcher field notes. An inductive thematic analysis process was applied. The data analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti 23 software, which facilitated the identification and organization of key themes and patterns within the qualitative data. Conclusions: Participants perceived TALK©-guided clinical debriefing as a valuable practice. Key factors influencing their experience included the reflexive process, the debriefing approach and technique, the timing and context, as well as its emotional sphere.