PRPlayers

Supporting Learning, Reflection, and Behavioural Change in Healthcare

Challenge

University College London Hospital (UCLH) approached Professional Role Players (PRP) to support the delivery of After Action Reviews (AARs) - a powerful learning tool that allows healthcare professionals to reflect on real events in a constructive, non-judgemental setting.

An AAR enables individuals and teams to examine:

• What happened

• Why it happened

• What went well

• What could be improved

By creating a safe space for discussion, AARs generate valuable insight, foster changed behaviours, and lead to agreed actions that can improve future performance. 

Process

PRP assembled a team of specially trained medical role players to recreate meaningful, high-pressure workplace scenarios for AAR delivery. These simulations reflect the complex interpersonal dynamics healthcare professionals face regularly.

Our role players were required to:

• Be fully conversant with their assigned roles and the clinical context

• Adapt their responses based on the conductor’s facilitation style and participant interaction

• Provide constructive, structured feedback to support learning and reflection

Each role player involved in AAR training completed key PRP+ Training Modules, including:

• PRP+ Induction

• PRP+ Role Play

• PRP+ Feedback

• PRP+ Debriefing

Solution

PRP launched the AAR programme with UCLH, supplying up to 12 experienced role players per session. Each training session gave delegates the opportunity to practice conducting AARs, explore their own responses to challenging events, and develop debriefing and facilitation skills.

Through realistic scenarios and expertly delivered feedback, delegates were able to:

• Understand diverse perspectives

• Build confidence in handling sensitive conversations

• Translate insights into lasting behavioural change

Results

PRP’s involvement in AAR training has contributed to a culture of learning and reflection across clinical teams. The inclusion of skilled role players enabled participants to experience the impact of AAR in real time, making the learning deeply personal and practical.

Key outcomes included:

• Stronger multidisciplinary teamwork

• Solution-focused problem solving

• Open, honest communication without blame

• Improved facilitation, mediation, and leadership skills

AAR has proven to be an adaptable and effective approach at all levels of healthcare, contributing to enhanced team resilience, performance, and the development of a sustainable improvement culture - one that PRP is proud to support.