Development and evaluation of an early specialised traumatic brain injury vocational rehabilitation training package

Abstract

Background In a feasibility randomised controlled trial, training was developed to equip occupational therapists to deliver early specialised traumatic brain injury vocational rehabilitation in the English National Health Service (NHS). Method The package was developed by experts in vocational rehabilitation and traumatic brain injury, and included a manual, direct instruction by six trainers and opportunity for mentorship by four therapists. Following training, therapists were interviewed regarding the effectiveness and ease of use of the package. Interviews were analysed using the framework approach. Results Five trained therapists were interviewed regarding the package. Results were organised into six categories: (1) motivation to participate in research; (2) impact of the learning environment; (3) changing confidence levels over time; (4) growing appreciation of complexities about the intervention; (5) acceptability of the training package; and (6) lessons for future implementation. Conclusion The therapists reported acquiring the knowledge necessary to implement the intervention. The data indicate that the training packages require detailed descriptions of the interventions being taught for local implementation in the NHS and for future research. The training materials are valued by therapists but require time for familiarisation, and reminders from mentors help put training into practice. The therapists have concerns about implementing the interventions within a research context, which researchers should address.