Evaluation of psychology-based training for improving interoperability in the emergency services

A comparison of online and in-person delivery methods

Bibliographic Data

ID22029277
AuthorsLouise Davidson (0000-0002-8571-7443, University of Sussex, corresponding author), Holly Carter (0000-0002-2084-7263, The Behavioural Insights Team), John Drury (0000-0002-7748-5128, University of Sussex), Richard Amlôt (0000-0003-3481-6588, The Behavioural Insights Team), Alexander Haslam (0000-0001-9523-7921, The University of Queensland)
Year2025
Volume128
Pages105725
Publication date2025-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2212-4209
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105725
OpenAlexW4412585057
LanguageEN
References cited42

Recent research highlights the need for a psychological understanding of interoperability in multi-agency emergency response to address ongoing issues and prevent future problems. We developed a psychology-based training to improve interoperability using theory and evidence from the Social Identity Approach. We evaluated its effectiveness and optimal delivery method with 65 emergency responders from UK Police ( N =8), Fire and Rescue ( N =12), and Ambulance ( N =45) Services. Participants completed the training online ( N =28), or in-person ( N =37), with seven online participants completing follow-up interviews. In terms of participant satisfaction, the training was positively received and recommended by participants. They valued the psychological elements but stressed the need for accessible presentation. Interviewees preferred in-person training, but survey data showed no difference in participant satisfaction between delivery methods. In terms of knowledge gain, both delivery methods increased confidence in multi-agency teamwork, though in-person training better enhanced knowledge of specific collaborative actions. Participants highlighted the importance of understanding responders’ motivations, especially regarding mandatory training. This evaluation provides insights into effective training methods and the integration of psychology into emergency service training programmes, with practical implications discussed

Engineering management · Interoperability · Knowledge management · World Wide Web · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Engineering · Human-Automation Interaction and Safety · Psychology