A new tool for assessing short debriefings after immersive simulation: validity of the SHORT scale

Background Simulation is being increasingly used worldwide in healthcare education. However, it is costly both in terms of finances and human resources. As a consequence, several institutions have designed programs offering several short immersive simulation sessions, each followed by short debriefings. Although debriefing is recommended, no tool exists to assess appropriateness of short debriefings after such simulation sessions. We have developed the Simulation in Healthcare retrOaction Rating Tool (SHORT) to assess short debriefings, and provide some validity evidence for its use.