Reflective simulator debriefings for resilient power plant operations

Well-trained operators are essential for safety. This study presents a self-evaluation method to be applied after simulator training by power plant operators. The method was created collaboratively with training developers at a nuclear power plant. Inspiration was drawn from education theory as well as from resilience engineering literature. In particular, we considered the line of study that suggests that “interpretive practices” (which involve, e.g., robust communication and the use of various information sources critically) support system resilience. Drawing from this line of study, the developed training method encourages operators to reflect on their own work practices. In practice, the method consists of individual self-evaluation and group discussions. The method was tested with four operator shifts. A brief analysis of the group discussions is presented. It suggests that applying the method might be beneficial for system resilience because a significant proportion of the discussions supported reflection concerning issues that may support system resilience: collaboration, understanding of plant dynamics, and the use of procedures. We assume that this kind of “developmental reflection” could potentially enhance work practices. Overall, we suggest that developmental reflection may open avenues for supporting the learning dimension of interpretive practice and thus also resilience.