The Alabama Simulated Investigations for MDTs (SIM) Model: An Innovative Approach to Multidisciplinary Team Coordination

Vollständiger Abstract

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ABSTRACT Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are central to the mission and vision of children's advocacy centers (CACs), facilitating consistent communication and coordination among stakeholders throughout the child abuse investigation process. This study's objective was to discuss the development of a simulation‐based training (SBT) model for MDTs and examine quantitative and qualitative evaluation data from SBT participants. The Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Centers (ANCAC) saw the unique training needs of their MDTs and developed an interactive simulation training model, incorporating input from 23 local MDT stakeholder agencies. This study describes the development, implementation and evaluation of the SBT. Simulation developers collected survey data, and University of Alabama researchers analysed the deidentified responses. Open‐ended survey responses were analysed using conventional content analysis, with responses inductively coded into categories and frequencies calculated to indicate the relative prevalence of each theme. One hundred ten participants responded to the survey following their participation in an SBT. Overall, participants ranked the overall rating of the training with a mean score of 4.35 out of 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being outstanding. Participants most consistently valued the simulation and hands‐on components of the training, identified cross‐agency role learning and interagency collaboration as primary learning outcomes and recommended reducing didactic content in favor of expanded and more complex experiential activities. Implications for future research and recommendations for CACs on how to adopt a SBT model that best fits their community's needs are provided.