Do debriefs/after-action reviews improve individual and team performance? This upcoming summary explored this question.
46 samples met inclusion into the meta-analysis.
For background, they discuss how some sectors, like military, have used debriefs for decades.
Debriefs are a form of “emergent learning”, where “individuals use an iterative process of reflection and planning to improve performance”.
To be included in this study, the debriefs had to include some component of active learning/self-reflection.
Key findings:
· On average, debriefs improved effectiveness over a control group by ~25%
· Average effect sizes were similar for teams and individuals across simulated and real settings
· There was a bolstering effect where alignment between participants, focus and intent, and the potential impact of debrief facilitation and structure (e.g. facilitated and structured debriefs)
· Debriefs are said to be “a relatively inexpensive and quick intervention for enhancing performance”
· Debriefs were found to be a “potentially powerful yet simple tool to improve the effectiveness of teams and individuals”.
Authors: Tannenbaum, S. I., & Cerasoli, C. P. (2013). Do team and individual debriefs enhance performance? A meta-analysis. Human factors, 55(1), 231-245.
Study link: https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720812448394
My site with more reviews: https://safety177496371.wordpress.com
SafetyInsights.org 
One thought on “Debriefs/After-Action Reviews improve individual and team performance”