- MDTs should consider how much graphic detail needs to be shared in order to collaborate on a case. There may be cultures within the various organizations that are part of the MDT that may differ in their response to sharing graphic details. Having clear policies that address what details of a case are shared is important, and if a boundary is being crossed, MDT members can ask that the information not be shared and do so without retribution.
- MDTs should acknowledge that trauma exposure is an occupational hazard and actively work to decrease the stigma associated with acknowledging that trauma exposure is impacting individuals. MDTs should have policies and procedures in place that create a safe culture for team members to share when they are being impacted by a case.
- MDTs should consider what debriefing opportunities may exist for members to address both cumulative exposure as well as after a particularly difficult case is discussed.
Additional Resources for MDTs
- The Field Guide for MDT Facilitators: Refer to the section, “Resilient Teams Addressing the Impact of the Work,” (starting on page 117) to gain a better understanding of the impact of this work and how team members can remain resilient and hopeful through understanding their values, remembering the reason “why” we do this work, and feeling a connection to something bigger (a community, religion, the CAC movement, and so on).
- “MDT Functioning and Case Review Parts 1 and 2” are fact sheets developed by NCAC about forming a team and ensuring that it is psychologically safe.
- “Understanding Team Effectiveness: What MDTs Can Learn from Google,” is a training module that focuses on the valuable discoveries Google has made in understanding why some teams struggle while others succeed. This discussion explores what lessons Google can offer to the CAC and MDT world when it comes to complex teaming. The presenter shares techniques for building and sustaining an effective team by cultivating five key elements that help teams succeed. Among these is a focus on psychological safety. Training is available at: https://ncacvtc.org/#/login. Type “Understanding Team Effectiveness: What MDTs Can Learn from Google” into the search box to access.
- “Low Impacting Debriefing,” a two-page protocol developed by Tend Academy to assist supervisors and staffing in debriefing colleagues after exposure to a distressing situation but in a way that does not “slime” them with the details.