A survey of the training experiences and needs of paraprofessionals serving adults with brain injury

ABSTRACT

Objective: To conduct a survey of the training experiences and needs of paraprofessionals (frontline staff) serving adults with moderate–severe TBI from the perspectives of four stakeholder groups: paraprofessionals, professionals, adults living with brain injury, and family members.

Participants: Participants were (a) 28 paraprofessionals, (b) 45 professionals, (c) 41 adults living with brain injury, and (d) 22 family members, for a total of 136 participants.

Design: We conducted an online, nationwide survey containing closed and open-ended questions. Four different versions of the survey were developed, one for each of the stakeholder groups, to capture their unique perspectives on the topic of paraprofessional training.

Results: Descriptive statistics, non-parametric statistics, and qualitative, comment-based information across the four groups revealed that (a) paraprofessionals require comprehensive training to address the complex needs of persons with brain injury; (b) a range of training options and modalities is preferred; and (c) there are several challenges associated with providing paraprofessional training.

Conclusions: This survey highlights the need for a comprehensive range of paraprofessional training options that address both knowledge and skill acquisition. These data have informed the development of an online, interactive training program for paraprofessionals serving this population.

KEYWORDS:

• Brain injury
• paraprofessionals
• frontline staff
• training
• needs assessment

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Notes

1. Level of education, college degrees, and certificates achieved were not included as selection or exclusion criteria. In fact, over 80% of the paraprofessional sample had completed a college degree. The primary distinction between paraprofessionals and professionals for the purpose of this study was direct contact time with persons with brain injury. Paraprofessionals often have more contact time, implementing on a daily basis treatment plans and recommendations prescribed by professionals (4).

2. Demographics in this section focus on paraprofessionals given the focus of this study. However, Tables 1 and 2 contain demographic information for all four stakeholder groups.

Additional information

Funding

The University of Oregon Institutional Review Board approved this study. The study was funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research [90IF0124].