When It Comes to Debriefing, Does Culture Eat Strategy ?

Debriefing is an essential component of simulation-based learning. It helps to consolidate knowledge as well as skills by utilising reflective practice. Non-Western cultures have a variety of reasons and characteristics why debriefing needs to be conducted in a customised and perhaps modified way. Rigid models of debriefing may not work in eastern cultures. With globalisation, the healthcare scene will continue to evolve and so will the methodologies of teaching and learning. Both staff and patients from different regions, countries and culture will be more likely to cross paths and work or interact with one another. As such, cross cultural understanding and training becomes important. This paper discusses what some of the observed cultural differences between the west and east are and puts forth suggested steps for debriefing facilitators to be aware of. Indeed, culture need not eat strategy, yet the two can work hand in hand synergistically.