Late effects of polio: Interviewing general practitioners and health professionals about the need for and the means of promoting continuing professional development.

Abstract

Polio Australia estimates tens of thousands of polio survivors are experiencing late effects of polio (LEoP), including increased cases among young women of childbearing age in some migrant communities. Because polio has been declared eradicated in Australia, the provision and uptake of education by general practitioners (GPs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) is minimal. We explored the awareness of LEoP among HCPs and ways to enhance knowledge dissemination toimprove clinical practice. A qualitative study was undertaken, informed by a descriptive (transcendental) phenomenological approach. Semistructured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed inductively, with a conciliation among the research team used to finalise the themes. HCPs expressed the importance of learning about LEoPand how this may help build supportive patient-practitioner relationships and contribute to patient outcomes. Factors influencing the uptake of professional development included motivation, possibly stemming from a lack of awareness of LEoP, together with the timeand logistical limitations of practice generally. Online learning activities followed by an assessment maybe attractive for some HCPs, but peer-based and multidisciplinary continuing professional development activities remain preferred.