Entry to practice nursing students' experiences of debriefing during clinical practice: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this review were to identify, explore and synthesize existing evidence in the literature of nursing students' experiences of debriefing in their clinical practice placements.

Design: Qualitative meta-synthesis.

Data sources: Databases included Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Education Resources Information Centre, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and Scopus. Qualitative studies were considered for inclusion if published in English, reporting primary data analysis including experiences of nursing students. The final search was conducted on 22 October 2021, no time limit was applied.

Review methods: Qualitative studies were identified and appraised. Across the included studies, authors' themes and metaphors, and participant quotes were inductively analysed and interpreted, then expressed in the synthesis.

Results: Three new themes representing nursing students' experiences of debriefing were constructed. Theme one, 'It didn't happen formally, but I needed it', included students expressing the value of, and wanting to be involved in, debriefing to gain validation, reassurance, and guidance. Theme two, 'I had to release it and it helped' included students' positive experiences of debriefing with another student, nurse, or confidant, through various modalities. These experiences affirmed they were not alone in their feelings, which provided relief, confidence, and new ways of thinking and practicing. Theme three, 'Strengthened clinical experience and learning', included students feeling debriefing supported their awareness and understanding of practice and increased participation in clinical experiences. This awareness and understanding provided an opportunity for students to explore, and reflect on, the impact of patient care.

Conclusions: Through debriefing student nurses found relief, confidence, and new ways of thinking through a shared understanding. Debriefing supported student learning and the clinical-academic education team had a key role in creating this opportunity.

Keywords: Debriefing; Experiences; Nursing education; Perceptions; Qualitative meta-synthesis; Student nurse.