Impact of Crew Briefs on Crew Dynamics in Nuclear Power Plant Operations

Safe nuclear power plant (NPP) operation relies on effective teamwork. In NPP control rooms, operators manage complex situations, often under time pressure and uncertainty. Although control room crews are generally well trained and highly competent, breakdowns in communication and coordination still occur. Such episodes of poor crew dynamics can lead to reduced information sharing, loss of shared understanding, fixation on incorrect assumptions, and overreliance on authority, thereby increasing operational risk. While previous research has documented these phenomena, less is known about how poor crew dynamics emerge and unfold, and how they may be mitigated through operationally feasible interventions. This study investigates the role of crew briefs, short, structured discussions led by the shift supervisor, as a potential mechanism for strengthening crew dynamics in NPP control rooms. A simulator study was conducted with three licensed NPP crews performing demanding scenarios both with and without the systematic use of crew briefs. Multiple data sources, including simulator logs, audiovideo recordings, and expert observations, were analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicate that episodes of poor crew dynamics occurred more frequently in scenarios without crew briefs, while structured briefings were associated with questioning attitudes, cross-checking, and more balanced communication. However, crew briefs alone did not lead to improved overall performance, suggesting that they function as an enabling condition rather than a standalone solution. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how structured communication practices can support crew dynamics in NPP teamwork.

Keywords: Crew dynamics, Crew brief, Qualitative simulator study, Nuclear power plant crews.