Team Functioning and Performance in Child Advocacy Center Multidisciplinary Teams

Abstract

The quality of teamwork in Child Advocacy Center (CAC) multidisciplinary teams is likely to affect the extent to which the CAC model improves outcomes for children and families. This study examines associations between team functioning and performance in a statewide sample of CAC teams. Multidisciplinary team members ( N = 433) from 21 CACs completed measures of affective, behavioral, and cognitive team functioning. Team performance was assessed with three measures: team member ratings of overall performance, ratings of mental health screening/referral frequency, and caregiver satisfaction surveys. Linear mixed models and regression analyses tested associations between team functioning and performance. Affective team functioning (i.e., liking, trust, and respect; psychological safety) and cognitive team functioning (i.e., clear direction) were significantly associated with team members’ ratings of overall performance. Behavioral team functioning (i.e., coordination) and cognitive team functioning were significantly associated with mental health screening/referral frequency. Team functioning was not associated with caregiver satisfaction with CAC services. Aspects of team functioning were associated with team members’ perceptions of overall performance and mental health screening/referral frequency, but not caregiver satisfaction. Understanding associations between team functioning and performance in multidisciplinary teams can inform efforts to improve service quality in CACs and other team-based service settings.

Associations between teamwork and implementation outcomes in multidisciplinary cross-sector teams implementing a mental health screening and referral protocol

“…We conducted an anonymous online survey of CAC multidisciplinary team members [ 44 ]. Each CAC has one associated multidisciplinary team.…”

“…Team processes and states may be affective (e.g., respect), behavioral (e.g., communication), or cognitive (e.g., shared goals) [33,34]. Decades of research in diverse work settings have shown that affective, behavioral, and cognitive team functioning are positively associated with team performance [32][33][34][35][39][40][41][42][43][44]. In healthcare settings, specifically, better team functioning is associated with better service quality, improved patient safety, and better clinical outcomes for those served by the team [7,45,46].…”

Leading community change efforts to expand access to evidence-based treatment for youth with problematic sexual behaviors: insights from the trenches

“…Stronger partnerships supported a higher level of team functioning which led to more individuals receiving access to needed supports. McGuier et al's (2022) findings substantiate the need for collaboration among community partners to support information sharing, decision-making, coordinated case planning, and ensuring youth with PSBs get access to needed services.…”

“…Training community partners in the dynamics of youth with PSB and the effectiveness of evidence-informed interventions is of great importance in cultivating stakeholder relationship and gaining buy-in to evidence-based practices (Sites & Widdifield, 2020). McGuier et al (2022) found a correlation between strong team member partnerships and better outcomes for children and families. Their research demonstrated correlations between team member perspectives related to team functioning and referrals for mental health treatment.…”

“…Collaboration among community partners is extremely important for professionals working with youth with PSBs and their families to guide appropriate decision-making (McGuier et al, 2022). A multidisciplinary team response to investigate, supervise, monitor, and increase access to evidence-based treatment for youth and their caregivers was shown to reduce and eliminate PSBs in youth (Kelly et al, 2019 andMundey et al, 2021).…”