Dissemination and use of the professional standards of practice for psychologists, social workers, and counselors in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Objective : To determine the level of awareness and utilization of the Professional Standards of Practice for Psychologists, Social Workers, and Counselors in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 4th Edition ( The Standards ) by members of professional organizations representing psychologists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors (PSWC) working in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Participants : Respondents belonged to members of professional organizations representing PSWC working in SCI rehabilitation, which included ASCIP (76%), APA's Division 22 (37%), ASIA (23%), USA (14%), PVA (12%), AVAPL (11%) and CRCC (3%). Method : Responses to an online questionnaire were solicited via email. Results : 63% of those that responded were aware of The Standards. Of those, (79%) had read all or a portion of The Standards. Colleagues were the most common source of awareness, followed by email announcements. Conclusions : The Standards are being used (in order of frequency) to improve clinical work, improve treatment efficacy, orientation of new staff, confirm current practice, education, advocacy, and other ways.