After the uproar: an experimental investigation on debriefing among intensive care nurses

Introduction: intensive care nurses face high levels of stress, which can affect their emotional well-being. Debriefing is a useful tool to process experiences, reduce stress, and improve team effectiveness, ultimately benefiting patients and their families. The DASH (Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare) is one of the most widely used tools to assess the quality and impact of debriefing, both in real clinical settings and simulations. This study analyzes its effectiveness in supporting nurses after critical events.

Materials and Methods: the study, conducted at “San Camillo-Forlanini” Hospital in Rome, assessed the perception of debriefing among intensive care nurses using an adapted Italian version of the DASH questionnaire. The sample, composed exclusively of nurses, was selected due to their frequent exposure to high-stress situations. The questionnaires, distributed in June 2024 in paper format, were completed within 60 days. Anonymity and privacy were ensured.

Results: the DASH analysis highlights strengths and critical issues. The organization of the debriefing is positively evaluated, as is the maintenance of an engaging learning environment. However, difficulties emerge in encouraging peer exchange and recognizing team emotions. To improve debriefing effectiveness, adequate training, structured guidelines, and the promotion of in-depth discussions are essential. Effective feedback and constant monitoring can help reduce stress and burnout.

Conclusions: debriefing is essential for nurses’ well-being and the quality of care. To enhance its effectiveness, it is necessary to invest in training and in structuring the process, thus ensuring a safer work environment and better emotional support for staff.