title: Analysis of after-action reporting by deployed nurses.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of information in after-action reports in terms of nursing practice and the utility of using after-action reports in a feedback loop to improve nursing training. This was a three-phase, mixed-method, qualitative study, using focus groups, phone surveys, and e-mail surveys to collect data. The sample consisted of 72 military nurses (Air Force, Navy, and Army) deployed in the last 4 years. The process of after-action reporting is unknown to the majority of nurse corps officers. Topics of concern in after-actions reporting included supplies, psychosocial issues, personnel, communications, logistics, and after-actions reporting process. Traditional written after-actions reporting has not provided an adequate feedback loop. Alternative methods suggested included "hot wash" meetings, online submissions, e-mail contributions, and verbal debriefings. After-actions reporting could yield an excellent wealth of information, if reported in a timely and detailed manner, for nursing leaders.
authors.affiliation: University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Candice
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Kandy K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Lidia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Humphreys
mesh_terms: D005246:Feedback; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D008889:Military Personnel; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States