Abstract
This chapter presents an application of the Mental Modeling approach applied to strategic stakeholder engagement in support of the development of the Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management Tool (CHEMM). CHEMM is an informational system designed to provide first responders, first receivers, and other potential users access to comprehensive information needed to prepare for and respond to chemical hazard emergency events via a robust, user-friendly interface. The Specialized Information Services Division (SIS) of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) led to the development of CHEMM in collaboration with CHEMM stakeholders. Decision Partners supported the NLM CHEMM Project Team (CHEMM Team) with implementation of the Mental Modeling approach for a science-based, strategic stakeholder engagement on the development of CHEMM.
Through the Mental Modeling approach, a comprehensive list of key stakeholders was developed, and then research was conducted to systematically identify their values, needs, interests, and priorities as potential CHEMM users. The resulting insight was used to inform development of CHEMM and to develop criteria by which CHEMM’s effectiveness can be evaluated and priorities established for its continued development.