Expert Consensus on a Cognitive Rehabilitation Learning Package for Novice Occupational Therapists

Abstract

Novice occupational therapists struggle with clinical reasoning when interpreting cognitive assessments and planning interventions for patients with an acquired brain injury (ABI), impacting patient rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on a self-directed learning package (SDLP) for novice occupational therapists to support clinical reasoning when planning cognitive rehabilitation. A mixed-methods design consisting of an initial survey, then three virtual Nominal Group Technique focus groups, including 21 expert occupational therapists, prioritized SDLP content and teaching methods. Experts identified: “neuroanatomy,” “evidence-based practice guidelines”, “interpretation of functional errors,” “delivery of cognitive rehabilitation,” “goal setting,” and “progress measurement” as the most important content. They prioritized video demonstrations, case studies, online modules, and practical assignments as methods to deliver the SDLP. The virtual focus groups enabled rapid consensus of the content and teaching methods for an SDLP which can now be developed to support novices’ clinical reasoning when planning cognitive rehabilitation.