The impact of a training intervention on knowledge, confidence and attitudes of professionals in a Community Acquired Brain Injury Service about assistive technology for cognition: a before and after survey.

Abstract

Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC) can help people to compensate for cognitive impairments following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Examples include mainstream devices such as smartphones, watches and environmental controls, and bespoke devices such as medication devices or specific educational software. Evidence suggests that professional support is key to people successfully adopting ATC, yet low confidence amongst clinicians and perceptions about barriers are often cited as reasons for not recommending ATC in practice. The objectives of this service evaluation were to evaluate the impact of an ATC training opportunity on the knowledge and confidence of staff and to explore staff perspectives of the barriers and enablers to implementation of ATC in practice. A survey was completed by 21 members of a Community Acquired Brain Injury Service before and after participating in an ATC training workshop. Survey findings highlighted that attitudes toward, and confidence with ATC, showed positive change after the training, whilst perceptions about barriers to implementation in practice reduced. Responses also highlighted the perceived importance of education for health professionals, service users and families as key enablers to successful implementation. Multi-professional training is therefore an important part of an implementation strategy for ATC.