Abstract
Background: The purpose of this paper is to report the perceptions of continuous professional development by the nurses and midwives in a low resource country. These findings are part of a larger study on the experiences of nurses and midwives providing postpartum care in rural areas of Kenya. Besides being the main healthcare providers in rural areas, nurses in low resource countries have limited access to continuous professional development. Research design: This is a qualitative research guided by critical theory and Foucault’s concepts of power and knowledge. Focused ethnography provided the framework of data collection and analysis. 23 in-depth interviews were contacted, and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Reflexive memos kept throughout the research process helped to ensure the trustworthiness of data. Findings: This paper will focus on the theme of continuing professional development (CPD) as a resource for a healthy work environment. While the knowledge of the nurses and midwives allowed them to provide care to the mothers and their infants adequately, personal and structural barriers prevented them from participating in continuing professional development. Discussion and Conclusion: A well-prepared nursing and midwifery workforce could have the capacity to transform the health outcomes of their clients through the application of evidence-based practices. Therefore, courses that are context-appropriate and meet the needs of different learners should be available to support the nurses’ and midwives’ professional growth. There is a need for more research on the nurses’ and midwives’ participation in CPD in Kenya, and the effect of CPD on specific health outcomes.
Highlights
The purpose of this paper is to report the perceptions of continuous professional development by the nurses and midwives in a low resource country
Focused ethnography provided the framework of data collection and analysis. 23 in-depth interviews were contacted, and thematic analysis was used for data analysis
With the ever-changing technologies and emergence of new knowledge, nurses and midwives must engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to keep their clinical skills updated and promote safe and effective care [5]
Summary
The purpose of this paper is to report the perceptions of continuous professional development by the nurses and midwives in a low resource country These findings are part of a larger study on the experiences of nurses and midwives providing postpartum care in rural areas of Kenya. Nurses and midwives account for about 50% of the healthcare workforce globally, and they often serve as primary caregivers in rural health facilities [1] They play a significant role in the contribution of the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including preventing maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities and improving mothers’ and their infants’ health outcomes [2] [3]. It facilitates team competence and promotes dialogue about the quality of knowledge and collaboration among the frontline healthcare providers [5]
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