City Research Online

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To establish consensus regarding the behaviour change techniques considered most important when delivering communication partner training to people with acquired brain injury and their communication partners.

DESIGN: Three-round e-Delphi. Participants rated 86 behaviour change techniques linked to 16 mechanisms-of-action using a 9-point Likert scale. Consensus for techniques was defined as >70% agreement. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, latent content and sentiment analysis.

SETTING: UK clinical practice in acquired brain injury rehabilitation

PARTICIPANTS: Speech and language therapists working with people with acquired brain injury.

RESULTS: A total of 118 speech and language therapists participated in round 1, 90 participated in each of rounds 2 and 3, and 81 completed all three rounds. Consensus was reached on 80 behaviour change technique-to-mechanism of action links, representing 47 distinct techniques. Ratings did not differ by years’ experience or clinical setting. Most agreement (>90%) linked to setting goals, practising skills and goal feedback. Qualitative comments were largely positive (67%), especially for goal setting and skills practice. Therapist reservations focused on material and monetary rewards, while therapist comments on feedback techniques, underlined a need for individualised and tailored training.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first UK e-Delphi of speech and language therapists in acquired brain injury. Behaviour change theory provided a framework to identify key techniques, highlighting the complexity of training. Analysis revealed diverse attitudes and areas for further consideration. Consensus on the importance of communication partner training techniques offers an opportunity to develop a clinically relevant programme with potential for uptake in clinical practice.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2026 Sage. This is the accepted manuscript of an article published by Sage. Please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions for information on re-use.
Publisher Keywords:	cognitive-communication; communication partner training; brain injury; e-Delphi; behaviour change
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Allied Health
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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