720 Preventing Workplace Violence

Debriefing Phases

The following is a list and brief description of each of the 7 phases of a typical debriefing.

1. Introductory Phase
2. Fact Phase
3. Thought Phase
4. Reaction Phase
5. Symptom Phase
6. Teaching Phase
7. Re-entry Phase

Introductory Phase

During this first phase, the leader and team members introduce themselves to the participants. The leader describes how a debriefing works and lists the ground rules for the debriefing. The rules are as follows:

• No one is required to talk but participation is strongly encouraged,
• No notes or recordings of any kind are taken during the debriefing,
• Strict confidentiality is maintained, and
• The debriefing is not intended to be therapy.

It is important to convey to participants the chances for a successful debriefing increase when participants are made fully aware of what to expect during the process.

Fact Phase

The fact phase begins with the team leader asking participants to identify themselves and briefly mention their degree of involvement with the incident. For example, participants may relate their role in the incident, how they were informed of the incident, where they were when they received this news, and so forth. Participants may begin relating their first reactions to the incident. This type of information lays the groundwork for the remaining phases of the process.

Thought Phase

Participants are asked what their first thoughts were concerning the incident. The thought phase begins to personalize the experience for the participants. This is the first phase in which some participants may exhibit some reluctance to share.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.