ABSTRACT

Embedding behavioral health (EBH) personnel into operational units has emerged as a major trend within the US military. These positions require skillsets in addition to those needed in a clinic setting. Little or no empirically based training has yet been developed to ensure preparedness to serve in EBH roles. Based on the demonstrated effectiveness of situational judgment tests (SJT) in training for other domains, we developed and evaluated 60 SJT scenarios for use in the US Air Force’s formal EBH training course. SJTs were based on real-world experiences of seasoned EBH professionals, and were used for structured, scenario-based discussions during training as well as a 30-item pre- and posttest to assess learning. Use during training was associated with significantly improved scores in six EBH competencies (ethical decision-making, leadership consultation, balancing professional relationships, unit engagement, triage to correct services, and teaming). In a follow-up survey, students reported scenario-based discussions were very helpful, and reported improved abilities and confidence. This study demonstrates the potential utility of the SJT methodology to prepare mental health professionals to serve in EBH positions. Further development and possible applications are discussed, such as expansion to other training venues, job candidate screening, and assessment for readiness for EBH practice.

摘要

将行为健康 (EBH) 人员嵌入作战单位已成为美国军方的主要趋势。除了诊所环境所需的技能外，这些职位还需要技能组合。很少或没有开展基于经验的培训，以确保为担任 EBH 角色做好准备。基于情境判断测试 (SJT) 在其他领域训练中的有效性，我们开发和评估了 60 个 SJT 场景，用于美国空军的正式 EBH 训练课程。SJT 基于经验丰富的 EBH 专业人员的实际经验，用于在培训期间进行结构化、基于情景的讨论，以及用于评估学习的 30 项前后测试。培训期间的使用与六项 EBH 能力（道德决策、领导咨询、平衡专业关系、单位参与、正确服务的分类和团队合作）。在后续调查中，学生报告基于情景的讨论非常有帮助，并报告提高了能力和信心。这项研究证明了 SJT 方法在准备心理健​​康专业人员担任 EBH 职位方面的潜在效用。讨论了进一步的发展和可能的应用，例如扩展到其他培训场所、求职者筛选和 EBH 实践准备情况评估。这项研究证明了 SJT 方法在准备心理健​​康专业人员担任 EBH 职位方面的潜在效用。讨论了进一步的发展和可能的应用，例如扩展到其他培训场所、求职者筛选和 EBH 实践准备情况评估。这项研究证明了 SJT 方法在准备心理健​​康专业人员担任 EBH 职位方面的潜在效用。讨论了进一步的发展和可能的应用，例如扩展到其他培训场所、求职者筛选和 EBH 实践准备情况评估。