Setting Learners up for Success: Presimulation and Prebriefing Strategies

Patient simulation is increasingly becoming an essential teaching and learning strategy in nursing education. An abundance of information has been written on enacting the scenario and in the debriefing process following the scenario. Less information can be found on the prebriefing (also known as briefing) phase of patient simulation. Prebriefing consists of all the activities prior to the start of the scenario, including presimulation assignments and prebriefing, and sets the stage for a successful simulation experience. Learning is enhanced, and debriefing improved with a quality prebriefing. This article will discuss the components of a superior prebriefing phase and provide practical suggestions for educators when designing presimulation assignments. A quality prebriefing will provide learners with the tools necessary for a successful simulation experience.