Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41612508›Full record

ArticleAdvances in simulation (London, England)2026

Generative AI in simulation debriefings: an exploratory study using the Team-FIRST framework and qualitative feedback from simulation experts and learners.

David W Tscholl, Max Ebensperger, Arend RahrischRahrisch, Helius Wang, Hubert Heckel, Max Thomasius, Alexander Kaserer, Bastian Grande, Julia C Seelandt, Michaela Kolbe

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Advances in simulation (London, England), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

David W Tscholl *Institute for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Max Ebensperger *Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Arend RahrischRahrischInstitute for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Helius WangUniversity of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Hubert HeckelInstitute for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Max ThomasiusInstitute for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Alexander KasererInstitute for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Bastian GrandeInstitute for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Julia C SeelandtSimulation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Michaela KolbeSimulation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Michaela.kolbe@usz.ch.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEffective debriefings in simulation-based education require accurate observation of team interactions, yet facilitators face challenges due to cognitive load, observer bias, and the complexity of team dynamics. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer a potential means to support this process by analyzing verbal communication and providing structured feedback. This study explored how AI tools can contribute to teamwork observation and debriefing in immersive medical simulations.

methodsWe conducted a qualitative, exploratory study using thematic analysis of simulation participants' and debriefers' experiences with AI-generated teamwork reports. Forty-one participants (anesthesia nurses, residents, and attendings) participated in immersive scenarios at the University Hospital Zurich simulation center. Verbal interactions were transcribed with AI-assisted speech recognition and analyzed using two large language model-based systems (Isaac and ChatGPT-4o) guided by a prompt based on the Team-FIRST framework. Structured reports were generated for each scenario and reviewed by four simulation experts. Semi-structured interviews captured learners' perspectives on being observed by AI tools.

resultsA total of 26 AI-generated reports and 27 learner interviews were analyzed. Experts valued the detailed transcripts and illustrative quotes, which supported structured feedback and captured observations that might otherwise be missed. Limitations included inaccuracies in categorization, misattribution of speakers, overly generalized interpretations, and the absence of contextual or nonverbal information. Learners expressed openness and optimism about AI's potential benefits: efficiency, objectivity, and enhanced perception, while also raising concerns about transparency, data protection, interpretation errors, and risks of overreliance. Both groups emphasized the necessity of human oversight.

conclusionGenerative AI tools can complement simulation debriefings by structuring communication data and highlighting teamwork patterns, supporting reflective practice. Current limitations highlight the need for multimodal approaches, refined prompting strategies, and integration with expert facilitation to ensure AI functions as a support tool rather than a replacement in simulation-based education.

trial registrationBASEC ID: Req-2024-01642.

Indexed as

Automated assessmentsClinical education technologyDebriefingGenerative artificial intelligenceHealthcareLarge language modelsQualitative thematic analysisSimulationTeamwork

Identifiers

PMID41612508
PMCPMC12924402

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.