Healthcare professionals' perceptions of post-cardiac arrest debriefing in an emergency department

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26694/reufpi.v15i1.6643

Keywords:

Thinking Skills, Cardiac Arrest, Emergency Service, Health Professionals

Abstract

Objective: to investigate healthcare professionals’ perceptions of debriefing following the management of cardiac arrest cases in an emergency department. Methods: a descriptive, qualitative study conducted between November 2023 and January 2024 with 12 health professionals working in the emergency department of a hospital located in the northern region of Ceará State, Brazil. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: the findings were organized into two thematic categories: knowledge of debriefing and experiences within the service; and challenges, strengths, and opportunities for improvement. The professionals perceived debriefing as an important tool for improving the quality of care, strengthening team communication, and promoting learning based on experiences in the context of cardiac arrest. However, its implementation was found to be incipient and poorly systematized within the service. The main challenges identified included inadequate communication, excessive workload, and the lack of standardized procedures. Suggested improvements included conducting debriefing more frequently, increasing team participation, and adopting standardized instruments. Conclusion: health professionals perceive debriefing as a relevant strategy for reflection, feedback, and learning. However, its incorporation into routine practice remains limited by organizational barriers and the lack of standardization.

Author Biographies

Maria Aparecida Fernandes Cardoso, Universidade Federal do Ceará

Nurse. Master's student in Family Health at the Federal University of Ceará. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.

Tifanny Fontenele Oliveira, Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú

Enfermeira pela Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú. Mestranda em Enfermagem pela Universidade Federal do Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

Maria Sinara Farias, Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú

Nurse. PhD from the Postgraduate Program in Clinical Care in Nursing and Health at the State University of Ceará. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.

Keila Maria de Azevedo Ponte, Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú

Nurse. PhD from the Postgraduate Program in Clinical Care in Nursing and Health at the State University of Ceará. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.

Gleison Resende Sousa, Universidade de Fortaleza

Nurse. Master in Technology and Innovation in Nursing from the University of Fortaleza. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.

Raila Souto Pinto Menezes, Centro Universitário UNINTA

Enfermeira. Mestre em Saúde da Família pela Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú. Sobral, Ceará, Brasil.

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Published

2026-08-19

How to Cite

1.
Cardoso MAF, Oliveira TF, Farias MS, Ponte KM de A, Sousa GR, Menezes RSP. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of post-cardiac arrest debriefing in an emergency department. Rev Enferm UFPI [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 19 [cited 2026 Aug. 22];15(1). Available from: https://periodicos.ufpi.br/index.php/reufpi/article/view/6643

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