After Action Reviews

What is an After Action Review?

After Action Review (AAR) is a highly adaptable and useful approach, originally developed by the US Army. It can be used effectively for learning from positive or challenging actions, for example, a situation where the outcomes fell short of expectations.

A Before Action Review (BAR) uses the same techniques and can help a team to assess the knowledge and experience they already have to inform the planning stages of a new project.

AARs are promoted as one of the key learning tools in the NHS England guidance: responding proportionately to patient safety incidents, which is part of the new Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIFR).

How does it work?

A trained AAR conductor takes a group directly involved in the action through a set of ground rules so that everyone can contribute equally, without blame, and in an environment to learn together.  The conductor asks four questions: what was expected before the activity or project, what actually happened, why was there a difference, and what can be learnt?

How can we help you?

TPHC are experts in independent AARs and BARs. We offer:

  • Expert conductors: TPHC has a pool of skilled AAR and BAR conductors able to run bespoke sessions for teams and organisations.
  • After Action Review Conductor Development training: this is a one-day training course that equips participants to become confident and competent AAR conductors. It introduces the principles and underpinning theories of AAR, with real-life examples. It also provides a safe and nurturing space for participants to practise the approach with feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Conductor development: for trained AAR conductors and organisations who are looking to advance their skills and quality of their AAR practice, we offer bespoke support. This is through Action Learning Sets, reflective practice and active mentoring.
  • Organisational development to embed AAR practice: our AAR expertise can help organisations to capitalise on the energy AAR creates in your organisation. TPHC can help you design sustainability in your approach with tailored support and coaching programmes. This could be creating a community of practice of AAR conductors in your organisation or embedding this practice along other learning tools.

What are the benefits of AARs?

Regular AARs make a significant contribution to team resilience and performance and are a key tool in creating a sustainable improvement culture.

The AAR approach works to:

  • Build strong effective multi-professional teams
  • Deliver swift, smart solutions to problems
  • Structure open, honest and productive conversations
  • Provide a supportive operating environment for teams in which to reflect and learn
  • Increase psychological safety.

Teams that use AAR routinely have the ability to reflect and learn together. This builds excellent problem solving, flexible thinking and capacity for continuous improvement.

This is why AARs are promoted as one of the key learning tools in the NHS Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIFR).

What do our customers say?

“The practice session was so valuable as it helped me to practice in a safe space. I learnt more than I expected” – training participant”

“Training was delivered excellently by experts in their field; the methods were conducive to various needs and styles‘’ – training participant

“Very engaging, inspiring and knowledgeable trainers. Perfect balance of teaching/practical. Really valued how safe the trainers made it feel’’ – training participant

How do they work in practice?

We’ve helped a range of organisations and leaders to improve performance and delivery:


If you are interested in hearing more about how AARs or BARs can help your organisation to meet its challenges, improve performance and delivery, please contact us for an informal chat.

email us at:rf-tr.tphc-communication@nhs.net.