Researchers have developed Power in Practice, a new debriefing framework for nursing clinical simulations that focuses on nurse empowerment alongside technical skill assessment. The model, published in Clinical Simulation in Nursing, was created by Clara Selva Olid from the Behavioural Design Lab at the eHealth Centre, Laura Macià Casòliva from Althaia, and Carlota Riera Claret from UVic-UCC.
The framework restructures debriefing conversations into four stages: Feel, which addresses emotions and psychological safety; Think, which examines clinical reasoning and nursing knowledge; See, which recognizes the impact of professional actions; and Move, which translates insights into concrete future actions.
Previous clinical simulation methods primarily assessed technical skills and compliance with medical standards from an interprofessional perspective, often overlooking care ethics, relational presence with patients and emotional management among nurses. The new model makes nurse empowerment a key aim of reflective practice.
The research team analyzed nurses' real-life experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and during simulation-based education. The analysis identified several factors linked to nurse empowerment: psychological safety, positive team climate, confidence, autonomy, reflection and recognition of the impact of nursing practice. According to the study, applying the model supports clinical skill development while fostering adaptability, professional self-awareness and autonomy.
The framework can be used in clinical simulations, complex healthcare situations, mentoring and team reflection processes. The publication notes that further research is needed to evaluate the model's effectiveness in different settings.