1. TALK©
A tool for structured clinical debriefing
Why:
To guide a learning dialogue between team members after a case or clinical
session whenever new insights might be learnt.
Who:
Any team member may prompt or initiate the feedback session.
Any team member familiar with the TALK© framework may act as facilitator.
When:
Immediately after a case, at the end of a clinical session or in due course.
Short focused discussion (no more than 10 minutes).
Where:
Ideally in quiet and private areas within clinical environments, away from
patients, such as office spaces, quiet rooms, or quiet coffee areas.
How:
In a constructive and non-judgmental way.
Suggested triggers:
Team members exposed to new clinical experiences
Good outcomes in difficult clinical situations
Near misses or serious untoward events
Expected or unexpected patient morbidity/mortality
Pre agreed departmental triggers
e.g. Emergency Department: major trauma, STEMI, stroke
T Tell the team what happened
Summary of clinical facts. The team should agree and focus on what is
important to discuss or learn from to improve patient care.
A Analysis
Examples:
 Successful and/or unsuccessful team roles, behaviours and strategies
 What helped or hindered communication?
 Decision making process
 Situation awareness:
information gathered or missed by the team
adequacy of problem recognition
anticipation of potential complications.
 System strengths and potential weaknesses
 What enhanced or limited efficiency?
L Learning points
K Key actions
What can be done to improve and maintain patient safety?
Examples:
 Identify ways to support team members
 Share examples of good practice
 Signposting to further learning/training
 Departmental discussion at quality and safety meetings
 Critical incident reporting
 Review of local protocol or guidelines