Psychometric validation of the Korean version of the debriefing experience scale

Background: Simulation-based nursing education is an essential pedagogical approach. The debriefing process is a key component of this type of education. The Debriefing Experience Scale (DES) is widely used to measure students' postsimulation debriefing experience, but its applicability in Korea has not been validated. Methods: This study translated the DES into Korean and validated it with 205 students from five nursing schools in South Korea. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and content validity was evaluated by a panel of experts. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating DES scores with the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience (SSE) scale, and construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The Korean version of the DES demonstrated high internal consistency and satisfactory content validity. The DES correlated strongly with the SSE scale, confirming convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the construct validity of the scale, showing a well-defined factor structure and acceptable model fit indices. Conclusion: The Korean version of the DES is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating students' debriefing experiences in simulation-based education. Its strong psychometric properties make it a valuable tool for educators and researchers to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of simulation programs in diverse cultural contexts.