Capacity building for providers of cognitive rehabilitation in Queensland: a needs analysis survey.

Background: Cognitive rehabilitation of people with traumatic brain injury is a complex and challenging area of practice. Practitioners working in cognitive rehabilitation require ongoing training to stay abreast of new research and best practice interventions. A needs analysis was conducted to inform the development of a capacity building program for cognitive rehabilitation providers. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of providers of cognitive rehabilitation services in Queensland collected data on demographic information, perceptions of knowledge, skills and confidence in cognitive rehabilitation, previously completed training, desired training opportunities and delivery methods, and barriers and facilitators to engaging in training. Results: The 103 respondents included 67 occupational therapists, 17 speech pathologists, 12 psychologists and seven social workers with a broad range of practice experience. Participants perceived a need for further training, with executive function and functional cognition the most desired topics. The number of topics previously trained on was significantly correlated with levels of knowledge, skills and confidence (P < 0.01). Barriers to training were time and affordability, and facilitators included flexibility, workplace support, positive practitioner mindset and targeted content. Conclusion: Cognitive rehabilitation providers in Queensland reported a need for further training, delivered flexibly, with a focus on managing complex cognitive impairments. A needs analysis of 103 providers of cognitive rehabilitation services to people with brain injury in Queensland indicated a need for further training in this complex area of practice. Respondents perceived a need for further training on the management of complex impairments such as in executive function, self-awareness and functional cognition. There was a preference for flexible delivery of training with support from the workplace to overcome barriers associated with time constraints and affordability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]