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. 2015 Feb 20;8(1):16–26. doi: 10.1007/s40617-015-0044-5

Table 2.

Pre-service training

n %
Availability of orientation or training upon hire and before working independently
 Yes 209 54.71
 No 173 45.29
Length of initial orientation/training
 Less than one day 28 13.40
 1-3 days 57 27.27
 4-5 days 43 20.57
 6-10 days 39 18.66
 More than two work weeks 39 18.66
 Other (please specify) 2 0.96
 Ongoing 2
 Did not specify 1 0.48
Format of initial orientation or training
 Live face-to-face (in person) 205 98.09
 Live but via technology (video conference) 7 3.35
 Online (no interaction with another person) 26 12.44
 Online (with interaction with another person) 8 3.83
Initial orientation or training conducted in a group format
 Yes 135 64.59
 No 74 35.41
Training practices used
 Written instructions about how to perform a skill 142 67.94
 Verbal instructions about how to perform a skill 170 81.34
 Lecture/Didactic training 122 58.37
 Modeling (Trainer demonstrates skills to be performed) 122 58.37
 Practice in a role-play or rehearsal situation with an individual other than a client 74 35.41
 Practice with actual clients 75 35.89
 Performance feedback 98 46.89
 Interactive discussion 139 66.51
 Shadow current employees while they completed job tasks 115 55.02
 Written or oral quizzes 91 43.54
 Did not specify 1 0.48
Mastery criterion for role-play or rehearsal 74
 Yes 35 47.30
 No 38 51.35
 Did not specify 1 1.35
Mastery criterion for practice with actual clients 75
 Yes 30 40.00
 No 45 60.00
Mastery criterion for written or oral quizzes 91
 Yes 80 87.91
 No 10 10.99
 Did not specify 1 1.10
Characteristics of performance feedback 98
 It was provided one time only at the completion of training 6 6.12
 It was delivered throughout training 84 85.71
 I received written feedback 34 34.69
 I received verbal feedback 74 75.51
 Did not specify 9 9.18
Initial orientation prepared staff for job responsibilities 209
 Yes 132 63.16
 No 51 24.40
 Somewhat 11 5.26
 Other 12 5.74
 Did not specify 3 1.44