Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Research Articles

The introduction of mandatory CPD for newly state registered diagnostic radiographers: An Irish perspective

IntroductionIrish diagnostic radiography has undergone significant change with the dual introduction of state registration and mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in October 2015. We aimed to investigate motivators and barriers around CPD participation, mechanisms of CPD delivery and confidence of radiographers in using e-learning. MethodsA questionnaire distributed nationally during this period captured Radiographer opinion through the use of closed and open questions. The questionnaire was distributed in hard copy and online formats depending on site preference. Results71% of centres participated, rendering 453 responses in total from a possible 1222 respondents employed in those sites at the time of the survey. A varied range of ages and post qualification experience were represented. Respondents indicated use of several CPD options with the majority considering CPD to be important, very important or critical. Social media as a mechanism of CPD delivery was considered acceptable by 48%, while online learning elicited responses ranging from not confident to absolutely confident. Top motivators for CPD activity included interest, developing new knowledge and competency. Principal barriers included funding, time allocation and location issues. ConclusionThis study identified Radiographer desire to undertake CPD and the need for developing online CPD offerings. An overall positive perception towards CPD was noted however barriers were identified which require specific redress strategies.

The Implications of the National Health Insurance Law and the Law Regulating the Practice of Healthcare Professions for Physical Therapy Services in Israel

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2012, based on interviews with all the national managers of PT services in Israel (13 managers) and on information available on Internet websites pertaining to these institutions. The interviews dealt with the general effects of the NHIL and the Law Regulating the Practice of Healthcare Professions for physical therapy, equity and accessibility of services, regulations, and supervision. Additional responses of senior medical directors from the HMOs were added as an appendix. Results: All of the managers noted the important contribution of the laws mentioned herein to regulating services and establishing standards for the quality of treatment and the professional training of physical therapists. However, they are aware of areas in which there is a gap between the law and the actual service provided. These gaps manifest mostly in the lack of equity between the services provided by each of the HMOs, between the services provided in the center of the country and those provided in the outlying areas and between the services provided by the HMOs and by other organizations. Providers differed in quality of service and treatment quota policies. The Ministry of Health audits its own state-funded PT services, but not those provided through other ministries. Conclusions: Physical therapy services are available throughout Israel as part of basic state-funded healthcare services. The gaps between the actual PT services and the services dictated by the laws are similar to services provided by other health-care professions in Israel. Several suggestions have been offered to improve the auditing system, including: 1. Establishment of a mechanism to evaluate PT services objectively; 2. Creating a framework of cooperation among the HMOs to solve lack of equity rooted in geographical distance; 3. The HMOs should be obligated to provide services to patients affiliated with the ministries of education and welfare; 4. Establishment of a training program to prepare physical therapists to work with people with developmental and intellectual deficiencies; 5. A committee should be established to review the issue of quota of treatments; 6. Mandatory continuous professional development should be established as a condition for renewal of licenses to practice PT. This would also contribute to the standardization of professional levels.

PB.10 How can neonatal non-medical prescribers meet their continuing professional development needs?

BackgroundAdvanced neonatal nurse practitioners (ANNPs) are essential in the neonatal workforce, working across professional boundaries and fulfilling roles previously perceived as the domain of medical staff. An essential aspect of...

Maltese Radiographers' Attitudes towards Continuing Professional Development: An Initial Study Using Concept Maps

PurposeThe Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine in Malta recently published a draft document regarding the introduction of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) for radiographers. This study explored the attitudes and motivators of Maltese radiographers prior to the implementation of mandatory CPD in order to provide the necessary information required by management to develop CPD successfully. Concept maps are used as part of a methodology to analyse qualitative data. MethodsAll radiographers working in the National Health Service were invited to complete an anonymous web-based questionnaire. ResultsThe study showed that participants generally had a positive attitude towards CPD but were concerned about the mandatory aspect. The participants were mostly motivated by increasing professional knowledge, updating existing qualifications, and enhancing the status of the profession as a whole. Radiographers identified several difficulties with respect to CPD participation, such as lack of funding, lack of management support, and not enough local CPD opportunities. CPD participation was also negatively influenced by family commitments. ConclusionThe study showed that the majority of radiographers were self-motivated to engage in CPD activities, but there were some concerns. Based on these results, the authors suggest recommendations for allaying apprehension and producing the necessary conditions for a successful mandatory CPD scheme.

Mandatory continuing professional development in South Africa: Rehabilitation therapists' perspective

Aims: In 2007, Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) introduced mandatory continuing professional development (CPD), which enables therapists to acquire new knowledge and skills to improve patient care. To remain registered, therapists must meet CPD standards by formal HPCSA audits; however, latest figures revealed a compliance rate of 35% due to non-attendance of CPD activities. This study reviewed the experiences of therapists to identify barriers and obtain suggestions to improve attendance. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study used a questionnaire with closed and open questions to explore the aims from a sample of 138 rehabilitation therapists, comprising speech and language therapists (9%), occupational therapists (21%) and physiotherapists (70%), attending an ethics workshop. Results: Eighty five (62%) supported CPD and 97 (71%) supported compulsory ethics. Short 1 to 3 day courses, mini-congresses and journal club activities were the most frequently-attended events. Barriers to CPD were: time, cost of courses, cost of travel due to geographical distance, staff shortages, lack of employee support, and multi-disciplinary or inappropriate courses. Suggestions for improving attendance were: introducing state subsidised and corporate sponsorships, increased in-service journal club activities, tele- and video-conferences, on-line presentations, and profession-specific courses. Conclusion: Therapists support mandatory CPD, but stakeholders must take cognisance of the barriers and suggestions to improve CPD attendance and compliance.

Continuing professional development systems and requirements for graduate dentists in the EU: survey results from the DentCPD project

By maintaining skills and keeping dentists up-to-date, continuing professional development (CPD) supports safe clinical practice. However, CPD for dentists across Europe is not harmonised. One aim of the 'DentCPD' project (www.dentcpd.org) was to identify and agree essential CPD requirements for EU dentists. As part of the process, data were collected on existing approaches to CPD for EU dentists. This paper reports those findings. Informed by a review of the literature and internet search, the CPD for Graduate Dentists questionnaire gathered data from dental educators on CPD systems, requirements, provision and accreditation in Europe. It sought opinion on mandatory CPD and e-learning. Responses were received from 143 individuals from 30 EU countries. About half the countries had a compulsory CPD system which typically included mandatory core topics. Elsewhere CPD was optional or based on recommended hours. University dental schools and professional dental associations were the most common CPD providers. National regulatory bodies were the most common accrediting body. Only 41% of respondents thought they knew the criteria for successful accreditation of CPD. Eighty-one percent agreed that 'CPD should be obligatory for all dentists'. These results present an overview of the status of CPD for EU dentists. Despite a notable trend towards regulated CPD systems, current requirements for dentists to engage in CPD show variation. The harmonisation of requirements would enhance both dentist mobility and safe clinical practice.

Mandatory continuing professional development requirements: what does this mean for Australian nurses

BackgroundThis paper presents a discussion related to the recent decision in Australia to introduce mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for nurses. Historically there has been international debate surrounding mandatory CPD requirements; this debate is ongoing as Australian nurses face a diverse range of CPD offerings from a variety of providers.DiscussionThe purpose of this paper is to examine how mandatory CPD requirements for national nursing registration in Australia have evolved and to present an analysis of what this will mean for Australian nurses. What is yet to be determined is how to measure professional development and the effectiveness of professional development education. This is important to the international community with consensus in the literature that professional development is linked to ongoing education. Contradicting arguments are presented about whether this professional development should be mandatory.SummaryPresenting a contemporary discussion about the current and potential impact of mandatory CPD requirements for nurses, this discussion paper utilises the case of Australia’s current national policy and CPD operation to examine the choices that nurses make in order to fulfil their legislative requirements. Additional arguments are presented about the barriers nurses face in undertaking CPD. The quest for effective CPD is complex and should incorporate different situations for nurses and individual learning styles.

Continuing Professional Development: Views and Barriers Toward Participation Among Malaysian

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a lifelong learning approach to maintain and enhance professional competencies. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the pharmacists' preferred CPD activities and barriers to CPD participation. A survey instrument was distributed to all government pharmacists (N = 3876) in Malaysia. The response rate was 29.2 per cent. The majority of the pharmacists (92 per cent) believed that engaging in CPD would improve their performances in their current role. Almost 90 per cent of the respondents preferred to participate in CPD activities associated with continuing education such as workshops and conferences attendance. Barriers to CPD participation were current job constraints, lack of time, and accessibility in terms of travel and cost. It is important to address these issues before the implementation of mandatory CPD for pharmacists in Malaysia.

Continuing Professional Development: Views and Barriers Toward Participation Among Malaysian Pharmacists

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a lifelong learning approach to maintain and enhance professional competencies. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the pharmacists’ preferred CPD activities and barriers to CPD participation. A survey instrument was distributed to all government pharmacists (N=3876) in Malaysia. The response rate was 29.2 %. The majority of the pharmacists (92%) believed that engaging in CPD would improve their performances in their current role. Almost 90% of the respondents preferred to participate in CPD activities associated with continuing education such as workshops and conferences attendance. Barriers to CPD participation were current job constraints, lack of time, and accessibility in terms of travel and cost. It is important to address these issues before the implementation of mandatory CPD for pharmacists in Malaysia.

Continuing professional development systems and requirements for graduate dentists in the EU: survey results from the DentCPD project

By maintaining skills and keeping dentists up-to-date, continuing professional development (CPD) supports safe clinical practice. However, CPD for dentists across Europe is not harmonised. One aim of the 'DentCPD' project (www.dentcpd.org) was to identify and agree essential CPD requirements for EU dentists. As part of the process, data were collected on existing approaches to CPD for EU dentists. This paper reports those findings. Informed by a review of the literature and internet search, the CPD for Graduate Dentists questionnaire gathered data from dental educators on CPD systems, requirements, provision and accreditation in Europe. It sought opinion on mandatory CPD and e-learning. Responses were received from 143 individuals from 30 EU countries. About half the countries had a compulsory CPD system which typically included mandatory core topics. Elsewhere CPD was optional or based on recommended hours. University dental schools and professional dental associations were the most common CPD providers. National regulatory bodies were the most common accrediting body. Only 41% of respondents thought they knew the criteria for successful accreditation of CPD. Eighty-one percent agreed that 'CPD should be obligatory for all dentists'. These results present an overview of the status of CPD for EU dentists. Despite a notable trend towards regulated CPD systems, current requirements for dentists to engage in CPD show variation. The harmonisation of requirements would enhance both dentist mobility and safe clinical practice.

An evaluation of CPD activity of dentists in Wales

Ongoing professional education is essential for dental professionals to maintain and update their clinical skills and knowledge. There is a current trend towards mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for dentists within Europe and beyond. Mandatory CPD will ensure high professional standards and enable mobilisation of the dental workforce within Europe. In 2002, the UK General Dental Council (GDC) implemented a system of mandatory CPD for dentists practicing in the UK. The Wales Deanery is situated in the School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education, Cardiff University. It provides verifiable CPD courses for dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs) currently practicing in Wales and has recorded professionals' attendance on these courses since 2001. The project aimed to investigate the CPD activity of dentists in Wales, using these data. The Wales Deanery database holds data on the CPD courses undertaken by 1178 dentists working in Wales since 2001. A number of hypotheses were investigated using a variety of statistical methods. Dentists were undertaking significantly fewer hours of CPD in Mid and West Wales compared to the North and South of the principality. Sole practitioners were found to engage in less CPD than those in group practices, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Dentists who employed a hygienist or therapist completed more hours of CPD than those who didn't employ either. There were no gender differences in engagement in CPD. CPD participation was consistently and significantly higher in mid and late career than in early career. This study provides a greater understanding of the CPD habits of the dental workforce in Wales. Practice staffing levels, location of practice and time since graduation were found to have the greatest impact on engagement in CPD activity. These findings will be used by the Deanery to inform future education provision for dental professionals in Wales.

5 years on: Have attitudes towards continuing professional development in radiography changed?

IntroductionThis study reports the attitudes of UK radiographers to mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) following the introduction of a mandatory policy, compared to a survey undertaken prior to the mandate being introduced. Methods and method of data collectionAn electronic survey was advertised within 152 hospitals, across a range of hospital types (for example: rural, urban, teaching, district general) and geographic areas to minimise any potential bias through sampling. 406 radiographers responded to the survey, which was endorsed by the College of Radiographers. ResultsThe study showed that the overall attitude score had not increased significantly, demonstrating an ongoing relatively ambiguous attitude towards CPD. There was an increase in the number of radiographers recording CPD, though radiographers still expressed discontent over the need to evidence CPD activity. The study showed a change in the perceived primary barrier to CPD away from funding to time: time to undertake CPD; and time to record CPD activity. While the activity score had not significantly increased, a broader view of what constitutes CPD was evidenced, away from the previous narrow focus on attendance based activities. Support for CPD also showed no significant change, suggesting that the onus for CPD still predominantly remains with the individual radiographer. ConclusionThe introduction of a mandatory CPD policy has not significantly impacted on the attitudes of radiographers towards CPD activity. The study raises a number of questions which would benefit from further study and highlights some ongoing issues which impact on CPD in practice.

Menace of recalcitrant tenants in metropolitan Ibadan area's residential property market, Nigeria

PurposeManagement factors of recalcitrant tenants in residential premises have become central concerns of many private residential property owners in Ibadan metropolis. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes and dimension of the phenomena so as to prevent the loss of rent and encourage investment in rental housing in the city.Design/methodology/approachThe study elicited data through personal and direct administration of questionnaires on 51 estate surveying and valuation firms. The data collected included companies' profiles, years of property management experience, properties in their management portfolio, tenants' selection, category of recalcitrant tenants, handling techniques and influencing factors.FindingsResults indicated that act of non‐compliance and adherence to ethics of property management by estate surveyors and valuers (managers) in the area constitutes a major cause of recalcitrant tenants. Also, estate surveyors and valuers disregard some relevant factors while selecting tenants to fill vacancies such as police report, family factor, rental arrears, maintenance culture, personal/family crisis and mental illness/addiction. These, among others, consequently affect the objectives of investing in rental properties in the metropolis.Practical implicationsThe study recommends strict compliance to ethics (rules and regulations) put down in the constitution of NIESV (2005). Also estate surveyors and valuers (managers) should be encouraged to attend mandatory continuing professional development (MCPD). Lease/tenancy agreement should be clearly reached, documented and implemented. All transactions in residential property management should be executed at “arm's length” with transparency without bias.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research is needed to undertake statistical references through a comprehensive survey of all types of tenant: private/public tenants, commercial properties tenants and agricultural land tenants in Ibadan land.Originality/valueThe study helps to identity categories of recalcitrant tenants in residential properties, the rental residential properties occupied, causes of recalcitrance and treatment approaches of recalcitrant tenants.

Post‐Registration Learning Trends of Community Pharmacists

ABSTRACTBackgroundSome Australian pharmacists use continuing education to maintain knowledge and acquire new information. There has been a progression from continuing education to continuing professional development (CPD) – a mandatory requirement for pharmacists in all jurisdictions of Australia.AimTo identify post‐registration learning trends of community pharmacists in Western Australia.MethodA questionnaire was developed and administered by face–to–face interviews with community pharmacists in metropolitan Perth. Pharmacists registered for less than 12 months and pharmacists working in hospitals were excluded.Results103 pharmacists were approached with a response rate of 95%. Journals (41%), reference books (23%) and the Internet (18%) were the most commonly used educational resources cited by pharmacists. Keeping scientific information up‐to‐date (39%) and gathering practical knowledge (22%) were the leading motivators for pharmacists to participate in continuing education. Factors that hindered participation in continuing education included lack of time (34%), family commitments (21%) and business commitments (21%). 79% of pharmacists agreed with the concept of mandatory CPD. 47% of pharmacists suggested that the primary sanction for not complying with mandatory CPD should be counselling to determine reasons for non‐compliance.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists preferred educational resources that were easily accessible at convenient times. Most pharmacists were able to fulfil the requirements of CPD, however, further educational support and promotion would ensure the successful uptake of CPD by community pharmacists in Western Australia.

Mandatory continuing professional education: What is the prognosis?

Each year registered nurses apply for registration renewal The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia stipulate all nurses and midwives are expected to take responsibility and accountability for participating in continuing professional development (CPD) as a declaration that their practice is current, safe and competent. The code of professional conduct and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) competencies governing registered nurses and midwives, outline the professional and personal responsibility nurses hold in order to maintain clinical competence; which may be achieved through continuing nurse education and professional development. As the health care industry shifts focus to keep up with changes in technology, economics, demographics and culture, the nursing profession must respond accordingly. With the implementation of a national registration scheme in Australia, this paper provides a review of the literature relating to mandatory CPD and how CPD may assist nurses to respond to the changing needs of the health care system and its consumers, to ensure the best possible health outcomes. Suggestions of possible avenues of research into the concept of CPD are also offered.

Learning as you go: an audit of continuing professional development opportunities in the workplace

The introduction of mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a condition of podiatry registration has caused quite a deal of manic amongst the Podiatry population. What practitioners may underestimate is the amount of CPD that is undertaken as part of their everyday work practices. The podiatrists at Eastern Health are fortunate to have a supportive work environment that aims to foster learning opportunities and career advancement. This poster shows an audit of the amount and types of learning opportunities logged by the 12 member podiatry department for the first six months of the mandatory CPD period. The audit uncovered that many of the staff members had satisfied the Podiatry Board of Australia’s mandatory requirements within a two-month period. It is hoped that this poster will inspire others to think about their ongoing CPD opportunities within their own workplace.

Participation in continuing professional development by dental practitioners in Victoria, Australia in 2007

Mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) was introduced in 2005 in Victoria, Australia to ensure that dental practitioners maintained their skills, knowledge and kept up-to-date with current topics in dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the participation, impact on practice and attitudes of Victorian dentists and dental specialists to CPD activities since the commencement of mandatory CPD. A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of registered dentists and dental specialists (n = 895) was conducted from May to August 2008 using an anonymous, postal, self-administered questionnaire. The response rate was 66%. More than three quarters of practitioners believed mandatory CPD is a reasonable requirement for continued registration. Dentists reported attending an average of 30.9 h of certifiable clinical CPD whilst specialists attended an average of 33.2 h of certifiable clinical CPD over a 12-month period. Nearly three quarters of respondents reported changing their practice as a result of CPD activities, whilst one quarter attended CPD mainly to meet the mandatory requirements. Overall there was a positive attitude towards mandatory CPD and a high level of participation in CPD activities by Victorian dentists and specialists in 2007, although nearly half of the respondents attended <20 h of certified clinical CPD during 2007. A number of barriers exist, particularly for rural and female practitioners in accessing CPD, and further research is required to examine the benefits derived from mandatory CPD.

Lebanese teachers’ views on ‘continuing professional development’

This study elicits Lebanese teachers’ views on Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Seven hundred and thirty‐nine teachers from across Lebanon responded to semi‐structured questions about personal and school efforts to help stay up to date. They expressed their views on what constitutes effective CPD, why this is needed and how this influences their practice. Quantitative and qualitative analysis resulted in categories and themes that were further compared with the literature findings to check relevance. Findings showed that CPD in Lebanon focuses on workshops as coordinators conjecture, but there is no follow‐up for application of what is learned. Findings also indicate a need to have more structured and systematic CPD for all teachers with a focus on action research and mentoring. The latter is needed more than the current practice of fragmented workshops, and diverse standards of presenters and content of training. The researchers recommend that policy makers stipulate mandatory CPD for all teachers.

Continuing Professional Development: the perceptions of radiographers in New South Wales

AbstractPurpose: The Australian Institute of Radiography's (AIR) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme provides activities for radiographers, radiation therapists and sonographers. This article aims to investigate the perceptions of radiographers in New South Wales (NSW) of the current AIR CPD programme. Methods: 400 questionnaires were distributed within NSW. The questionnaire was designed to investigate the perceptions of radiographers concerning CPD using five themes: motivation for CPD participation; appropriateness of activities; constraints experienced; effectiveness of programme; and mandatory CPD. Results: One hundred and eight‐eight questionnaires (47%) were returned. A total of 68% (n = 127) of the participants were participating in CPD activities. The participants were most motivated by gaining knowledge through CPD. A total of 80% (n = 151) of the participants considered the activities listed in the Credit Recognition Framework to be adequate. The main constraint experienced by the radiographers in the rural setting was the lack of access to CPD activities, while in the metropolitan area, it was lack of time. A total of 59% (n = 111) of the participants commented that the current AIR CPD programme is an effective programme and 66% (n = 125) of the participants stated that CPD should be voluntary for all radiographers. Conclusion: Overall, radiographers identified the strengths and weaknesses of the AIR CPD programme. They were motivated to engage in CPD. This study also highlighted the constraints experienced, which need to be addressed to encourage more participation in the CPD programme.

Introducing a mandatory continuing professional development system: an evaluation of pharmacists' attitudes and experiences in Northern Ireland

Abstract Objective To determine the extent of pharmacists' understanding of continuing professional development (CPD) prior to the implementation of a mandatory CPD system and the level of implementation of CPD, and to gain insight into pharmacists' attitudes towards the concept and the introduction of a mandatory CPD system. Setting Northern Ireland. Method A pre-piloted, self-administered, postal questionnaire was distributed to all registered pharmacists in Northern Ireland (n = 1821) in September 2004. A second mailing was carried out four weeks after the initial mailing. The questionnaire was divided into three sections to determine pharmacists' attitudes towards CPD, their understanding and experience of CPD and their attitudes towards sanctions and portfolio review. Key findings A response rate of 41% was achieved after two mailings. The majority of respondents supported the concept of CPD, with over 84% of respondents agreeing that it was essential for all practising pharmacists to engage in CPD. Over half of respondents (56%) reported regularly identifying their learning needs, but only a quarter (25%) maintained a CPD portfolio. Female pharmacists were more likely to maintain a CPD portfolio. Less than half of respondents (42%) indicated that sanctions should be in place for pharmacists who do not engage in CPD. Conclusion Overall, there was support for the concept of CPD but considerable variation was observed in the level of participation. A support system to encourage participation was favoured over sanctions for those pharmacists who did not engage in CPD.