The Debriefing Assessment in Real Time (DART) tool for simulation-based medical education

Background Debriefing is crucial for enhancing learning following healthcare simulation. Various validated tools have been shown to have contextual value for assessing debriefers. The Debriefing Assessment in Real Time (DART) tool may offer an alternative or additional assessment of conversational dynamics during debriefings. Methods This is a multi-method international study investigating reliability and validity. Enrolled raters ( n = 12) were active simulation educators. Following tool training, the raters were asked to score a mixed sample of debriefings. Descriptive statistics are recorded, with coefficient of variation (CV%) and Cronbach’s α used to estimate reliability. Raters returned a detailed reflective survey following their contribution. Kane’s framework was used to construct validity arguments. Results The 8 debriefings ( μ = 15.4 min ( SD 2.7)) included 45 interdisciplinary learners at various levels of training. Reliability (mean CV%) for key components was as follows: instructor questions μ = 14.7%, instructor statements μ = 34.1%, and trainee responses μ = 29.0%. Cronbach α ranged from 0.852 to 0.978 across the debriefings. Post-experience responses suggested that DARTs can highlight suboptimal practices including unqualified lecturing by debriefers. Conclusion The DART demonstrated acceptable reliability and may have a limited role in assessment of healthcare simulation debriefing. Inherent complexity and emergent properties of debriefing practice should be accounted for when using this tool.