Prebriefing, aka Pre-briefing, is found extensively in healthcare simulation literature as a component of high fidelity simulation debriefing but with an exact meaning that varies. The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare suggests three different definitions for the term “Pre-briefing” along with another two definitions under the term “Brief (Briefing)” and yet another two under the term “Orientation”. The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning showcases pre-briefing in their Facilitation Standard of Best Practice. Usually such briefings take place inside a Sim Lab of a Simulation Center. A free pre briefing template checklist template is also provided below! This HealthySimulation.com article will explore prebriefing best practices and application in healthcare simulation.
Healthcare Simulation Standard of Best Practice: Prebriefing: Preparation and Briefing
In 2025, the INACSL Standards Committee (Persico et al., 2025) conducted an exhaustive systematic review of the literature related to prebriefing. Based on these findings, the Prebriefing Standard was updated. The criteria provides a structured framework for prebriefing: preparation and briefing consistency, clarity, and effectiveness.
General Criteria:
- The simulationist should be knowledgeable about the scenario and competent in concepts related to prebriefing.
- Prebriefing should be designed based on learning needs, experience level, and the purpose, objectives, and outcomes of the simulation-based experience (SBE).
- The experience and knowledge level of the simulation learner should be considered when planning the prebriefing.
Preparation Criteria:
- Based on the needs assessment and purpose of the experience, preparatory materials are developed to ensure learners are equipped for the experience and can meet the scenario objectives.
- Preparatory materials should be developed according to the purpose and learning objectives of the SBE.
- Plan the delivery of preparatory materials both prior to, and on the day of, the simulation-based experience.
Briefing Criteria:
- Prior to participating in the simulation-based experience, the simulationist conveys important information to learners regarding expectations, the agenda, and the logistics for the experience.
- Conduct a structured orientation to the simulation-based learning environment, including the modality.
- Establish a psychologically safe learning environment during the prebriefing.
View the HealthySimulation.com Webinar Psychological Safety in Prebriefing: to learn more!
Scenario Design Technologies to Ensure Prebriefing Checklists are Properly Incorporated
Technologies that embed prebriefing requirements directly into scenario design help ensure consistency and adherence to best practices across clinical programs. Tools such as the iRIS scenario design platform incorporate the INACSL Standards of Prebriefing into the authoring workflow, prompting clinical faculty to address required elements, learner orientation, psychological safety, confidentiality, objectives, roles, and expectations, before a scenario can be finalized or delivered. By structuring prebriefing as a mandatory, documented component of scenario development rather than an optional step, iRIS supports standardized implementation across instructors and sites, reduces variability in learner experience, and creates a repeatable quality baseline for every activity. This approach helps programs institutionalize high-quality prebriefings as a routine expectation within scenario design, supporting both faculty efficiency and educational consistency.
Healthcare Simulation Dictionary Definitions of Prebriefing (SSH)
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) created the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary to enhance communication and clarity for professionals in the field by establishing a common, standardized vocabulary. The goal is to reduce confusion and improve patient safety by ensuring that all simulationists (educators, researchers, and clinicians) use and understand the same terminology. SSH led the collaboration of multiple organizations in the development of the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary. This document is a living document and is updated as additional terms and research identify new applications in healthcare simulation. This is a freely downloadable document for all involved in healthcare simulation. Learn more about the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary and download your copy!
The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary defines Prebrief (Prebriefing) as:
- โPrepares learners for a successful simulation and an optimal learning experienceโฆcreating a safe environment at the start of the simulation (a) sets the tone for the entire simulation experience, (b) reduces insecurity and assists learners to feel comfortable with risk-taking and making mistakes, and (c) averts defensive behaviors. โฆfacilitates the rapport between the facilitator and learner and contributes to a conductive learning environment during debriefing. โฆShould establish simulation ground rules that inform all learners of the mutual expectations of the learning experience.โ (Rutherford-Hemming et al., 2019, p. 409).
- โEssential overarching elements of prebriefing should include: 1) setting the scene, 2) expectations, 3) debriefing, 4) simulation scenario, 5) simulation room orientation and 6) preparation timeโ (Rutherford-Hemming et al., 2019, p. 411).
- Role of prebriefing, or presimulation briefing, is to attend to the psychological safety of learners (Rudolph et al., 2006, 2014).
- โAn information or orientation session immediately prior to the start of a SBE in which instructions or preparatory in- formation is given to the participantsโ (INACSL Standards Committee, Molloy et al., p. 61). โข The purpose of the prebriefing is to set the stage for a scenario and assist participants in achieving scenario objectives.
- The collaboration and planning of co-facilitators/co-debriefers prior to the simulation activity.
The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary also suggests simulationists review the terms: BACK STORY, BRIEF/BRIEFING, ORIENTATION, PREPARATION for additional information about Prebrief (Prebriefing). The editors note that the terms Briefing, Orientation, Prebriefing, and Preparation are often used interchangeably.
View the new HealthySimulation.com Community Scenario Design Group to discuss this topic with your Global Healthcare Simulation peers!
Prebriefing Template by HealthySimulation.com
HealthySimulation.com provides a free prebriefing template checklist developed by Dr. Kim Baily. This checklist can serve as a reminder about the core functionalities and steps required to ensure successful clinical simulation activities. Items range from reviewing the code of conduct and confidentiality of clinical simulation scenario, describing roles and expectations of roles to be assigned including confederates, reviewing required video or other audiovisual materials, as well as covers orientation to the manikin, sim room, equipment, supplies, medication administration/scanning equipment, and many more! Have other major areas that one should consider to add for a pre briefing checklist?
Download the HealthySim Prebriefing Template PDF Here!
Medical Simulation (hands on scenario component), debriefing reviews and research articles are found extensively in the literature. Less research is found related to prebriefing. Recently, three authors have addressed the concept of pre briefing and have suggested new or revised definitions for the term. This article provides a brief summary of those findings. These studies below clearly indicate that prebriefing aids learners participating in SBL. The exact nature of these benefits and the best strategies to be used in prebriefing are still under discussion. Indeed, even the name of this component of simulation education has yet to be determined. But then, whatโs in a name!
Learn More About Prebriefing in the Updated INACSL Cornerstone Healthcare
