Professional Development and Training Needs of Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioners in Kosovo: A Comprehensive National Survey

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) practitioners in Kosovo operate within a developing post-conflict social support system, which requires strong professional accountability and evidence-based practice. Despite this need, formal certification systems and specialized training programs remain limited. This study provides the first comprehensive national assessment of the perceptions, practices, and professional development needs of VR practitioners in Kosovo, establishing baseline data to strengthen the national vocational rehabilitation framework. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among practitioners from public and non-public VR service providers across Kosovo’s seven regions between November 2023 and May 2024. The survey examined perceptions of research and training, current professional development activities, barriers to engagement, and preferences for training modalities. Out of 271 practitioners contacted, 142 completed the survey (52.4% response rate). The results showed that practitioners recognized the high utility of research (M=4.28, SD=0.75) and training (M=4.30, SD=0.70), but reported significant barriers including limited access to research guidance (M=2.45, SD=1.15) and lack of time for self-study (M=2.60, SD=1.10). Interactive training methods were strongly preferred, with in-person training (M=4.05, SD=0.80) and online live training (M=3.95, SD=0.85) rated higher than text-based materials (M=3.10, SD=1.15). Experience was positively correlated with training engagement (r=.245, p<.05). Regional disparities were also evident, with practitioners in Pristina reporting higher levels of engagement compared to other regions. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict training engagement, with demographic variables entered in the first step and perception variables in the second. The final model explained 32.1% of the variance (R² = .321, F(6, 135) = 10.65, p < .001). Years of experience (β = .22, p = .011) and perceived usefulness of training (β = .28, p = .002) were significant unique predictors. These findings reveal a motivated workforce that faces systemic barriers to professional development. The implementation of Knowledge Translation frameworks, technology-enabled training platforms, and structured mentorship programs is essential to enhance VR service quality within Kosovo’s developing rehabilitation system and, ultimately, to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.