Training to improve emergency management decision-making: what the research literature tells us

Abstract

The importance of training for effective performance in high-stakes, high-risk work settings is well-known. Successful training is the systematic acquisition of skills, rules, concepts or attitudes that result in improved work performance. Simply exposing people to training situations is not sufficient for them to develop knowledge and skills. This will only occur if the activity results in learning. While much training focuses on the development of technical skills, it is important to train people in non-technical skills, such as decision-making. This paper presents the results of a literature review of 95 peer-reviewed articles that consider the current training and exercise practices used to develop emergency management decision-making capability. The different approaches to training can be categorised into 4 types: discussion-based, operation-based, E-based and post-incident debriefs. This paper discusses current practice in emergency management decision-making training in each of these categories together with studies that have evaluated their effectiveness noting the generally limited nature of evaluation studies. To promote evaluation of training, several studies have developed tools to assess the effectiveness of training. Finally, key takeaway points related to emergency management organisational training and exercise programs are provided.