Use of the clinical debriefing technique in medical simulation for decision making in medical students at a private university in Northern Mexico.

Abstract

This study examines the efficacy of clinical simulation, specifically using debriefing, to foster psychomotor and cognitive skills critical for medical decision-making in seventh-semester medical students at the Universidad Autónoma de Durango. Results indicate that students demonstrated effective action sequencing during a Basic CPR scenario, achieving a high level of competence (81.17%) across evaluated aspects. However, specific areas requiring improvement were identified, including ventilation technique and pulse verification. Debriefing provided students with a reflective opportunity to understand their decision-making processes, revealing challenges such as anxiety and lack of attention. By focusing on the “good judgment” model of debriefing, which emphasizes a safe learning environment, students engaged in introspective learning, recognizing patterns in their mental models and identifying areas for growth. This debriefing approach promoted a culture of continuous improvement, with a collaborative team setting further enhancing skills like communication and critical thinking. Findings highlight the importance of simulation as a means to improve clinical performance and recommend that facilitators employ graphical representations during debriefing to clarify strengths and weaknesses.