Hidden in plain sight: UK social work educator views of preparedness to work with individuals and families affected by ABI

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is the leading cause of adulthood injury-related death and disability worldwide. Despite ABI’s prevalence, little is known about the extent to which social workers are prepared for brain injury working and specifically pre-qualifying brain injury curricula. This study employed a nine-item survey regarding brain injury social work knowledge. The survey asked about curricula inclusion within social work pre-qualification via multiple education providers to understand the extent to which brain injury training is incorporated within UK courses. This included a series of open-ended questions. Data from 36 survey respondents identified that 1) there was an acknowledged gap in ABI pre-qualifying curricula inclusion and educator knowledge; (2) ten respondents had personal experience of brain injury; (3) the majority of respondents believed brain injury social work education should be mandatory pre-qualifying; (4) there were pockets of good practice prompted by personal or local interest; and (5) there was no mention of interprofessional learning. The study highlights a need for the inclusion of brain injury training within pre-qualification social work curricula across the UK which may relate to a wider lack of knowledge about brain injury social work among educators.