This escape room was designed to allow novice facilitators to get experience facilitating simulations in a fun, non-medical, low-stress environment.
A physician is on-call with two medical students. An ambulance arrives, carrying a patient who was pronounced dead in the field. The medical team will need to split up - to both help get the ambulance through the parking lot into the bay, and to open the freezer for the body. However, once they bring the body into the freezer, the team gets locked in. They will need to work together, solving a number of puzzles to free themselves from the freezer.
Overall Goal: Utilize effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills to solve puzzles together.
Moulage: None
Set-Up: Setup will be completed by workshop organizers prior to simulation
Note: While prepping for your simulation, don't forget to prep for the debrief. Become comfortable with your chosen framework, review your objectives. For additional debriefing resources, see our Resources page.
Credits:
Original Author: Mateo Orrantia, Eliseo Orrantia, Ryan Patchett-Marble
Date: March 11, 2023
A good prebriefing is an essential component of running effective simulations, as it sets the stage for everything that comes after it1-3. An effective prebrief will create a safe container for learning, and in doing so, help participants feel more comfortable pushing their limits, sharing their thoughts and feelings, and buying into the experience. In turn, this will enhance engagement, participation, and learning. To that end, the prebriefing process needs to cover a lot of information1-5, which can make it daunting to novice or non-expert facilitators. To help, we have consulted the relevant literature and put together a prebrief guide to ensure that you have the tools you need to run an effective pre-briefing session.
Throughout the pre-brief, it is important that you convey your commitment to respecting learners and their perspective2-4, and establish and maintain the simulation as a safe space for learning1,4,5.
Prebrief Guide (Sample Phrases in Italics)
Welcome learners. Introduce yourself, your role, and your experience with simulation.
Go over the time requirements for the simulation, when breaks will occur, how learners should handle incoming calls or texts, etc.
Clarify the learning objectives for the simulation1-5. Give information on the purpose of the simulation without giving out specific actions or information that might compromise the learning experience for participants.
Explain how participants will be evaluated (formative/summative/not evaluated). Briefly discuss the debrief process that will take place at the end of the simulation.
Give details on what expectations are for the learners' behaviour during the simulation, setting basic ground rules2-5. Go over expectations for yourself as the facilitator. Reinforce the simulation as a learning environment, where mistakes aren't something to be punished but opportunities for further learning.
This could be a good place to pause and ask learners if they have any additional expectations, fears, comments, or questions about the topic for the day.
Ensure all participants agree to the confidentiality expectations of the simulation. Often, this will follow the mantra of "What happens in the simulation stays in the simulation," where learners and instructors agree not to share information on others' performance or scenario details outside of the simulation environment.
Explain that you've done what you can to make the simulation as real as possible, but acknowledge the limitations. Ask the learner to commit to doing what they can to act as if everything was real, explaining that the quality of their learning will depend on their willingness to participate as fully as possible. For the first simulation with a new group, it could be helpful to explain the importance of a mutual fiction contract.
Explain the different roles in the simulation and assign learners to them. If you have predetermined scripts for certain roles, hand them out here.
Explain the resources that will be available for the participants to use, how they should call for help in the simulation, what your role will be in providing information.
Orient participants to simulation space, equipment, manikin, etc. This can also be done by allowing participants to explore the simulation space and manikin for themselves.
Ask for questions!
References
1. Rudolph JW, Raemer DB, Simon R. Establishing a safe container for learning in simulation: the role of the presimulation briefing. Simul Healthc. 2014 Dec;9(6):339-49. doi: 10.1097/SIH.0000000000000047. PMID: 25188485.
2. Leigh G, Steuben F. Setting Learners up for Success: Presimulation and Prebriefing Strategies. Teaching and Learning in Nursing. 2018; 13(3):185-189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2018.03.004
3. Lecomte F, Jaffrelot M. Chapter 33 - Prebriefing and Briefing. Clinical Simulation. 2019; 2nd ed.; 471-482. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815657-5.00034-6.
4. INACSL Standards Committee (2016, December). INACSL standards of best practice: SimulationSM Facilitation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 12(S), S16-S20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2016.09.007.
5. Simon R, Raemer D, Rudolph J. Rater's handbook for the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) Rater Version. 2009. http://www.harvardmedsim.org/debriefing-assesment-simulation-healthcare.php.
Facilitator Note: start timer (at bottom of this page)
Narration (Speaking to Team Leader): It's a busy day at the hospital. You are with 2 medical students who have been assigned to you for the next month for a rural
placement - it's their second day at your hospital. You receive a call from paramedics that they'll be bringing in a body that was pronounced in the field, however the ambulance is stuck in the parking lot. Looking outside, you see it - the parking lot is a disaster. You'll need to wear yet another hat as a rural physician to solve this traffic jam. At the same time, you need to open the morgue/freezer but have forgotten the code. Luckily there are some clues.
Work with your team to both solve the traffic jam and figure out how to open the morgue door.
(Show "Freezer Video")
Facilitator Note: After video, hand the team i) the traffic jam puzzle, and ii) the clues to find the code to open the freezer/morgue.
Narration - To person/people working on traffic jam: You need to work on getting the ambulance through the opening in the grid by just sliding around other vehicles.
Narration - To person/people working on code: Here's a list of questions. Feel free to be resourceful and use your phone(s) if needed. Collect the answers that will go towards the code and enter them into the lock (I can help with technical component of opening lock if you need it).
Riddle Answers:
| Expected Learner Actions | Modifiers | Triggers |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaborative Approach to solving traffic problem |
Riddle Solver struggling ⇒ Provide hint as to number they are stuck on 5 minutes pass ⇒ "You're fed up with the traffic. You decide to take the body out and carry it into the freezer." Advance to next stage |
Ambulance through and keypad solved⇒ 2. Stuck in the Freezer |
Facilitator Narration: The paramedics unload the body into the bay and get called out again before they can wheel the body to the freezer (which you have opened in the first stage). It sounds like they'll be back soon with more work for you.
(show "Getting into the freezer" video)
Your team rushes the body to the freezer, and as you step in, you hear a woosh and the door shuts closed behind all of you. It's locked. One of you tries your cellphone, but you don't seem to have any service. You see something that says "In Case of Emergency, follow these instructions". The instructions seem to be in a language that is completely inscrutable to you.
You'll need to crack the code to figure out what to do next.
Facilitator Notes:
Hand participants the two pieces of paper labelled “Emergency Open Instructions” and “Code Language Key” . The code language key will allow participants to decipher the instructions to open the door. The team will need to work together to figure out what the instructions say to do next. There will be multiple code keys, but they should identify which one they need to use, which is the"Pigpen" key.
Answer: The decoded message reads:
Step 1: FIND BOX UNDER THE TABLE
Step 2: PICTURE HIDDEN ON ROOF OF BOX
Step 3: ASSEMBLE KEY AS PER PICTURE.
Trigger – once they’ve cracked the 3-step code, move on to stage 3.
| Expected Learner Actions | Modifiers | Triggers |
|---|---|---|
|
Identify Proper Code to Use |
Unable to identify proper code ⇒ "Those symbols all look very grid-like" Attempt to move on after deciphering only the first line ⇒ "You should figure out what the other instructions are before moving on" |
Code Cracked ⇒3. Assembly and Exit |
Pigpen
Facilitator Narration: Now that you've found the box, you'll need to do as the instructions say. However, there’s a catch. only one of you can have their arms in the box feeling around to put the pieces together. They can't see what they're doing, so the others will have to be watching and directing so that he/she can assemble it according to the picture. Once it's put together, the door should open for you to leave!
The picture you have to build looks like this (tap picture to open in new window):
Facilitator Notes: Watch to make sure that no one is cheating! The participants can swap each other out if they want, so that multiple people get a chance to try their hand at assembly. The final assembled product doesn't need to be exactly like the picture, so use your judgement. When you think it's close enough, you can tell them that it's complete and that the door will open!
| Expected Learner Actions | Modifiers | Triggers |
|---|---|---|
|
Closed-loop communication |
Approaching 20 total minutes ⇒ "Hurry up! That next ambulance will be there soon" 20 total minutes -> "The door clicks open suddenly and the paramedics walk in, looking for you!" |
Lego Assembled to adequate accuracy OR 20 minutes total elapsed ⇒4. Freedom! |
Narration: With a click and a whoosh, the door behind you opens up! You're free!
Choosing a Debrief Framework:
A good debrief has been identified in the literature as the most important part of a successful simulation experience. If you're a novice or inexperienced facilitator, use this table to help you choose which debrief framework you want to use, just tap the button on their name and you will be directed to the appropriate aids or scripts. While we recommend the PEARLS framework, take a look to see if there may be another that is a better fit for your situation.
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Time |
Facilitator Level |
Prep Time |
Scenario Type |
Flexibility |
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Moderate |
Novice |
Moderate |
Any |
High |
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Short-Moderate |
Novice |
Low |
Short w/ Clear Objectives |
Low |
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Moderate |
Novice |
Moderate |
Any, esp. Team-focused |
Moderate |
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Very Short |
No experience |
None |
Any |
Low |
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Short |
Novice |
Low |
Low number of non-technical skills |
Low |
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Very Short |
No experience |
None |
Any |
Moderate |
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Moderate-Long |
Novice |
Moderate |
Any |
Moderate |
(To learn more about this debriefing framework, visit our page on Debriefing resources)
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
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Phase |
Objective |
Task |
Sample Phrases |
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1. Setting the Scene |
Create a safe context for learning |
State the goal of debriefing; articulate the basic assumption |
“Let’s spend X minutes debriefing. Our goal is to improve how we work together and care for our patients.” “Everyone here is intelligent and wants to improve”
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2. Reactions |
Explore feelings |
Solicit initial reactions and emotions
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“Any initial reactions?” “How are you feeling?” |
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3. Description |
Clarify Facts |
Develop a shared understanding of the case |
“Can you please share a short summary of the case?” “What was the working diagnosis? Does everyone agree?”
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4. Analysis |
Explore a variety of performance domains:
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See bottom of guide for details on the analysis phase |
For each item to be debriefed: 1. Preview Statement: (to introduce topic)
2. Pick Analysis method + Analyze: (see below for more info on each method)
3. Mini Summary: (to summarize discussion of topic)
Phase Wrap-up: "Any outstanding issues or concerns before we start to close?" |
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5. Application or Summary |
Identify take-aways |
Can be learner- or instructor-centered |
Learner-centered: “What are some takeaways from this discussion for our clinical practice?”
Instructor-centered: “The key learning points for the case were [insert learning points]”
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Analysis Phase Details |
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Choose an analysis approach (Different approaches can be used for different topics within the same analysis stage): |
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Approach |
Objective |
Sample Phrases |
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Learner Self-Assessment
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Promote reflection by asking learners to assess their own performance |
“What aspects were managed well and why?”
“What aspects do you want to change and why?”
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Focused Facilitation
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Probe deeper on key aspects of performance, uncover mental frames guiding performance |
Use Advocacy-Inquiry Method Advocacy: "I saw [observation], I think [your point-of-view]” "I noticed [observation] I liked that/I was concerned..." Inquiry: “How do you see it? What were your thoughts at the time?” |
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Provide Information
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Teach to close clear knowledge gaps as they emerge and provide directive feedback as needed |
“I noticed[behaviour]. Next time you may want to consider [suggested behaviour], because [rationale]” |
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PDF from debrief2learn.org: Here
Visual Guide: debrief2learn.org
Alternative Script: Here
Originally Created by: Bajaj K, Meguerdichian M, Thoma B, Huang S, Eppich W, Cheng A. The PEARLS Healthcare Debriefing Tool. Acad Med. 2018, 93(2), 336.
(To learn more about this debriefing framework, visit our page on Debriefing resources)
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
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Phase |
Goal |
Actions |
Possible Scripts |
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Gather (Listen)
25% |
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How do you feel? |
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How do you think it went? Can you tell me what happened? |
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Can anyone add anything to that account? |
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Analyze (Guide Reflection)
50% |
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I noticed… |
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I noticed…. What was the thought process behind…. When….happened, I saw….What do you think….. I saw…I think….How do you see it? |
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Tell me more about… How did you feel about…. I understand, but tell me about X aspect of the scenario |
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Summarize (Help gather Conclusions)
25%
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What are two things that you thought were effective or went well? |
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What do you think are some areas you/your team need to work on? |
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In today’s session, we…. Going forward, we should…. |
References/Adapted From:
(To learn more about this debriefing framework, visit our page on Debriefing resources)
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
Instructions:
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Actions |
Gather |
Analyze |
Summarize |
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Closed-loop communication
Clear Messages
Clear Roles
Knowing one’s limitations
Knowledge Sharing
Constructive Intervention
Reevaluation and Summarizing
Mutual Respect
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Student Observations
Instructor Observations
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Done Well
Needs Improvement
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Student-led Summary
Instructor-led Summary
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References/Adapted from:
(To learn more about this debriefing framework, visit our page on Debriefing resources)
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
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Set learning objectives |
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After Case |
How did it go? Address Concerns Review learning points Plan ahead |
Framework from:
(To learn more about this debriefing framework, visit our page on Debriefing resources)
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
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Diamond Debrief: Sample Phrases |
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Description |
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“So what happened?...and then what happened next?”
Continue asking until confident that the details of the scenario have been raised by the learners
“Let’s not judge our performance now, let’s just focus on what happened” |
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Transition |
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“This scenario was designed to show…”
“Let’s address technical and clinical questions. What is the protocol for…?”
“How do we normally deal with this clinical situation?”
“Everyone ok with that?” |
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Analysis |
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“How did that make you feel?” To participants, then group “Why?” Then use silence
“How did you/they do that exactly?” “Why did you respond in that way? “ or “Why did you take that action?”
“It feels like…was an issue. Did it feel like that to you?” What I’m hearing from you is…is that correct?”
“This is part of…” (identify the non-technical skill/human factor) “We refer to that as a human factor or non-technical skill, which means…” |
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Transition |
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“So, what we’ve talked about in this scenario is…” “What have we agreed we could do?” |
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Application |
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“What other kinds of situations might you face that might be similar? How are they similar?”
“How might these skills we discussed play out in those situations?”
“What are you going to do differently in your practice going forward?” |
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Underlying Principles |
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Description |
|
Reinforce a safe learning environment. Situate the debrief in the shared and meaningful activity that occurred. Keep the focus dispassionate—discuss what happened but avoid focus on emotions. Listen for emotional responses but resist the temptation to discuss emotions. Make sure everyone shares the same understanding of what happened.
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Transition |
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Transition into analysis by clarifying any technical and clinical issues |
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Analysis |
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Spend most of your time in Analysis. Deconstruct behaviours into specific actions, and explore what happened in detail. Ask about affective responses and validate them. Analyze and interpret the activity by applying appropriate frameworks or lenses (such as non-technical skills, or the clinical context surrounding the scenario). Keep discussion positive, and avoid the temptation to focus on “strengths and weaknesses”. Reflect responses back, allowing participants to amend or augment. |
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Transition |
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Transition into Application by reinforcing learning. |
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Application |
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Focus on moving from the specifics of the scenario to the more general world of practice. Break behaviours down into specific actions. Explore the other kinds of situations that these might apply to. Ask what participants will do differently in their practice. |
Adapted From: Jaye P, Thomas L, Reedy G (2015). 'The Diamond': a structure for simulation debrief. The Clinical Teacher 12(1). 171-175. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tct.12300
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
Pluses:
Deltas:
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Plus (+) |
Delta (∆) |
References:
((To learn more about this debriefing framework, visit our page on Debriefing resources)
If you need help with debriefing Crisis Resource Management skills, check out this infographic from Isaak & Stiegler: View Infographic
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Phase |
Purpose |
Process |
Sample Phrases |
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Reactions |
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How are you feeling? What are some initial reactions to what just happened? So, in that scenario… |
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Analysis |
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1. Observe an event or result. Comment on the observation.
2. Advocate for your position |
I saw that… I think… I noticed that…To me…
I saw…I’m concerned that… |
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3. Investigate basis for learner’s thinking that led to the observed event or result |
What do you think? Why do you think that happened? How do you see it? What was the thought process behind….? |
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4. Close the gap through discussion and didactics |
I hear…. What would it take for you to do this next time? How could we do this differently next time? I think a few good ideas that came up were… I’d like to say a little bit about…from my experience/literature |
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Summary |
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What are some takeaways from today? What went well today? What would you do differently next time?
In today’s session, we…. Going forward, we should… |
Adapted from:
No big clinical pearls. Communication is key!
