Clinical debriefing: structure, impact, and implementation
Tracks
Stream Three - Plaza P3 & P4
| Friday, March 27, 2026 |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
| Plaza P3 & P4 |
Overview
Melissa Shoard
Speaker
Mrs Melissa Shoard
Veterinary Care Training Academy
Clinical debriefing: structure, impact, and implementation
Abstract
Clinical debriefing offers a proactive, structured approach to addressing the emotional and operational impact of traumatic events in veterinary practice, particularly those involving unexpected patient death, complex euthanasia, or interpersonal conflict. This lecture will present a practical framework for implementing debriefing across general, emergency, and specialty settings, with a focus on team wellbeing, communication, and continual learning.
Key discussion points will include the psychological rationale for debriefing, its evidence-based benefits, such as reduced secondary trauma and improved staff morale, and its role in fostering a reflective, high-performance clinical culture. Participants will be introduced to practical techniques, including facilitator-led sessions, self-guided reflection, and informal peer debriefing, with guidance on timing, structure, and environmental setup.
Emphasis will be placed on adapting Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) principles for veterinary settings and flexible models suited to busy clinical environments. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for embedding debriefing into daily workflows, supporting nurses in facilitation roles, and promoting a team culture that prioritises emotional resilience and excellence in patient care.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the psychological impact of traumatic clinical events and the importance of timely debriefing
- Understand key components and formats of effective veterinary debriefing
- Apply structured approaches to support emotional processing, communication, and operational improvement
- Promote nurse-led facilitation and create psychologically safe environments for team reflection
Key discussion points will include the psychological rationale for debriefing, its evidence-based benefits, such as reduced secondary trauma and improved staff morale, and its role in fostering a reflective, high-performance clinical culture. Participants will be introduced to practical techniques, including facilitator-led sessions, self-guided reflection, and informal peer debriefing, with guidance on timing, structure, and environmental setup.
Emphasis will be placed on adapting Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) principles for veterinary settings and flexible models suited to busy clinical environments. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for embedding debriefing into daily workflows, supporting nurses in facilitation roles, and promoting a team culture that prioritises emotional resilience and excellence in patient care.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise the psychological impact of traumatic clinical events and the importance of timely debriefing
- Understand key components and formats of effective veterinary debriefing
- Apply structured approaches to support emotional processing, communication, and operational improvement
- Promote nurse-led facilitation and create psychologically safe environments for team reflection
Biography
Melissa is a passionate and accomplished emergency and critical care (ECC) veterinary nurse based in Western Sydney, with over a decade of experience spanning general practice, specialty hospitals, and high-pressure ECC settings. As a proud AVN and RVN, she holds a VTS in ECC, dual Diplomas in ECC and GP nursing, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessing. Her career is marked by an unwavering commitment to education and mentorship—training the next generation of nurses, techs, and vets through engaging, hands-on learning.
A published author in the Australian Veterinary Nurse Journal and regular conference lecturer, Melissa was recently honoured with the prestigious 2024 Louise O'Dwyer VTS Aspiration Award, recognising her drive, excellence, and contribution to veterinary nursing. Her volunteering efforts with VNCA at both state and national levels reflect her deep commitment to the growth and unity of the industry.
Melissa is the founder of Veterinary Care Training Academy (VCTA), a dynamic platform designed to elevate veterinary education through tailored training, critical care modules, and leadership development. She's also the charismatic host of VetCare Talk Time, a refreshingly honest podcast that dives into every corner of the veterinary world—from the heroic to the hilarious, and yes, even the bits covered in poop. Whether she's lecturing, podcasting, or building new training resources, Melissa leads with heart, humour, and a dedication to making veterinary care better for all.
