A SWOT analysis of implementation of continuous professional development for medical doctors in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is “A continuing process, outside formal undergraduate and postgraduate training, that allows individual doctors to maintain and improve standards of medical practice through the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviour. However, CPD is not popular for Sri Lankan health professionals. The aim of this article is to conduct a SWOT analysis aiming at formulation of implementation strategies of CPD for medical doctors in Sri Lanka. Methods: The root causes analysis on CPD was done using Ishikawa diagram aided by the literature. SWOT and TOWS matrix analysis was performed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats using literature and formulated CPD implementation strategies. Results: Lack of financial incentives, CPD infrastructure and training programs by professional collages, remoteness of doctors from main education centres, lack of time for doctors, CPD being none compulsory by law have been identified as leading causes against CPD implementation. Availability of considerable fund allocation at Ministry of Health, good perception towards lifelong learning among doctors as strengths; availability of international jobs for doctors, SLMA initiative to establish island wide CPD, availability of funding agencies and political influence as opportunities were identified to overcome threat and weaknesses. Conclusion: The MOH should start a National CPD steering committee with a representation of SLMC, SLMA, all professional collages, Medical faculties, Provincial directors, institutional heads and representation of government medical officers association to ensure an implementation of compulsory CPD in Sri Lanka.