scholarly journals Maintenance of professional competence in Ireland: a national survey of doctors’ attitudes and experiences

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042183
Author(s):  
Emer Galvin ◽  
Anel Wiese ◽  
Darren Dahly ◽  
Janet O'Farrell ◽  
Jantze Cotter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Competence ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Personal Time ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Medical Qualification ◽  
Basic Medical

ObjectivesProgrammes to ensure doctors’ maintenance of professional competence (MPC) have been established in many countries. Since 2011, doctors in Ireland have been legally required to participate in MPC. A significant minority has been slow to engage with MPC, mirroring the contested nature of such programmes internationally. This study aimed to describe doctors’ attitudes and experiences of MPC in Ireland with a view to enhancing engagement.ParticipantsAll registered medical practitioners in Ireland required to undertake MPC in 2018 were surveyed using a 33-item cross-sectional mixed-methods survey designed to elicit attitudes, experiences and suggestions for improvement.ResultsThere were 5368 responses (response rate 42%). Attitudes to MPC were generally positive, but the time, effort and expense involved outweighed the benefit for half of doctors. Thirty-eight per cent agreed that MPC is a tick-box exercise. Heavy workload, travel, requirement to record continuing professional development activities and demands placed on personal time were difficulties cited. Additional support, as well as higher quality, more varied educational activities, were among suggested improvements. Thirteen per cent lacked confidence that they could meet requirements, citing employment status as the primary issue. MPC was particularly challenging for those working less than full-time, in locum or non-clinical roles, and taking maternity or sick leave. Seventy-seven per cent stated a definite intention to comply with MPC requirements. Being male, or having a basic medical qualification from outside Ireland, was associated with less firm intention to comply.ConclusionsDoctors need to be convinced of the benefits of MPC to them and their patients. A combination of clear communication and improved relevance to practice would help. Addition of a facilitated element, for example, appraisal, and varied ways to meet requirements, would support participation. MPC should be adequately resourced, including provision of high-quality free educational activities. Systems should be established to continually evaluate doctors’ perspectives.

scholarly journals A reflection on continuing professional development

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 189-193
Author(s):  
Kieran O'Loughlin ◽  
Allys Guerandel ◽  
Kevin Malone
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Medical Professionalism ◽  
Important Advance ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Knowledge And Skills

SummaryThe enactment of Part II of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 in Ireland heralds a move from voluntary to statutory provision of professional competence and marks an important advance in medical professionalism in the country. This formalises consultant psychiatrists' existing commitment to updating their knowledge and skills and compels basic and higher specialist trainees to actively engage in the process. The relevance of reflective practice for professional and personal development of trainee psychiatrists is discussed and the role of existing trainee learning activities in the process of lifelong learning is explored in this context.

scholarly journals Perceptions and satisfaction of a mandatory continuing professional development programme amongst Aotearoa New Zealand podiatrists

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Carroll ◽  
Angela Brenton-Rule ◽  
Hannah Jepson ◽  
Prue Molyneux
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Cultural Safety ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract Background Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) registered podiatrists are required to participate in a mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) programme. This study investigated podiatrist’s perceptions and satisfaction surrounding mandatory CPD requirements following the implementation of a new 2-year CPD programme. Methods A cross-sectional study of NZ registered podiatrists was conducted between October 9th and December 9th, 2020. Data was collected using a web-based survey. The 39-item survey included questions to elicit participant characteristics, perceptions of CPD, difficulties undertaking CPD, and satisfaction with the new CPD programme. The survey findings were reported using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results One hundred and thirty-four podiatrists completed the survey. Most respondents worked in private practice (n = 107, 80 %), were in full-time employment (n = 83, 62 %), and had greater than 16 years of work experience (n = 73, 54 %). Respondents agreed it was important to engage in CPD (n = 126, 94 %) and reported that knowledge gained from CPD contributed to their daily work (n = 78, 58 %). 44 % (n = 58) reported difficulties keeping up to date with CPD. The main barriers to CPD participation reported were workload (n = 90, 67 %) and lack of time (n = 84, 63 %). Three categories (understanding the CPD programme; access to CPD; and time to complete CPD) were identified from the qualitative analysis to describe why it was difficult to meet CPD requirements. Conclusions NZ podiatrists value CPD and are satisfied with most aspects of the mandatory CPD programme apart from the hours attributed to compulsory activities. The current approach to cultural safety CPD requires revision, with a move away from a time-based approach to a system that promotes an understanding and relevance to practice. Lack of time, practice workload, financial barriers, geographical location, and employment context were factors that influenced a practitioner’s ability to engage in CPD. Facilitation of CPD activities that are flexible to ensure relevance to the practitioner’s specific work within their scope of practice, and that can occur in the workplace environment, may address barriers and increase engagement with to CPD activities.

scholarly journals Doctors’ engagement with a formal system of continuing professional development in Ireland: a qualitative study in perceived benefits, barriers and potential improvements

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e049204
Author(s):  
Holly Rose Hanlon ◽  
Lucia Prihodova ◽  
Thelma Russell ◽  
Deirdre Donegan ◽  
Ann O'Shaughnessy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Formal System ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Workplace Challenges ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

ObjectivesTo examine experiences of participation in a mandatory system of continuing professional development (CPD) among doctors in Ireland, in order to identify areas for improvement.DesignA qualitative cross-sectional design was used.Participants1408 participants (701 male, 707 female) were recruited via email from a population of 4350 doctors enrolled on a Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) for the 2017/2018 year, and completed an online survey as part of a larger study examining experiences and attitudes towards participation in PCS. A subset of the sample (434 participants) responded to an optional open-ended question about PCS participation. Responses to the open-ended question were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThematic analysis resulted in five main themes relating to perceived barriers to PCS participation across a wide range of areas: ‘Evidence of participation’, ‘The structure of PCS’, ‘Questioning the benefits of formal CPD’, ‘Workplace challenges’ and ‘Access issues’.ConclusionsTaken together, the five themes outlined in this study give a wide-ranging, in-depth picture of the challenges faced by Irish doctors, which expand on well-documented factors such as time constraints, to illustrate a series of complex, interacting factors. Some barriers, such as difficulty obtaining evidence of participation, may be relatively easily addressed. Others, such as issues with the way the PCS is structured, are more intractable, and require further research to understand more fully and develop appropriate solutions.

scholarly journals A Study to Assess Career Satisfaction among Dental Practitioners in Kanpur City, U.P., India

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 211-216
Author(s):  
Nikhil Seth ◽  
Suhani Goel ◽  
Shashank Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Time Dimension ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Personal Time ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Level

BACKGROUND: For almost every health worker, job satisfaction is an important determinant for motivation, retention and performance, and all of these are primarily important to improve the functioning mechanism of health systems in countries of low- and middle income categories.  AIM: This study was conducted to estimate the level of job satisfaction among registered practicing clinical dentists in Kanpur city, U.P., India MATERIALS & METHOD:  A cross sectional study was conducted among 204 practicing registered dentists. A questionnaire was distributed manually to the participating dentists for measuring dimensions of job satisfaction. A 5 point Likert format with a score range from 1(described as strongly dissatisfied) to 4(described as strongly satisfied) was used to describe the items.  Analysis of data was analyzed using SPSS software 21.0 and student t test was applied for measuring the difference of means between the subgroups for each dimension. RESULTS: A significant difference (p<0.005) in levels of satisfaction for various dimensions of job satisfaction within gender, educational qualification and work status was found on analysis. The postgraduates were found to be more satisfied as compared to graduates with a difference in job satisfaction level between genders which was related to the personal time dimension. It was also derived from the study that dentists working full time expressed dissatisfaction in terms of family time, thus to issues in their personal relationships. CONCLUSION:  Overall, it was found that the dentists have a high level of job satisfaction and the socio demographic factors deeply influence this domain of career.

Evaluation of the Perception and Participation in Continuing Professional Development Among Physiotherapists in South-Western, Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashiyat Kehinde Akodu ◽  
Babatunde Lekan Ileyemi ◽  
Elijah David Ekanem
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Area Of Interest

BACKGROUND: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes are important components of professional training to maintain competence. In spite of the documented relevance of CPD on professional development, it remains unclear as to the level of participation or perception of physiotherapists in CPD activities.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide insight into perception, participation and barriers towards CPD among physiotherapists in south-western Nigeria.METHODS The study was an analytical cross-sectional survey involving 143 physiotherapists. All subjects were evaluated using a 27 item questionnaire that sought information on bio data, clinical practice issues, perception, participation, and barriers regarding CPD. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and summarised using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, bar charts, pie charts and tables. Spearman’s Rank Order was used to find the relationship between variables.RESULTS: The reported experience of the respondents showed that forty-five (31.50%) of the participants had worked for less than five years while 41(28.70%) had worked for more than 10 years. A significant number of physiotherapists showed good attitude towards CPD. 88.70% recognized CPD as an integral aspect of being a modern health care, 81.90% reported that CPD is another perspective of clinical effectiveness, 77.60% also accept that CPD incorporates clinical proficiency into clinical practice. 94% of the respondents have engaged in CPD since graduation with majority doing less than 5 CPD courses yearly. There was a significant relationship between number of CPD courses taken yearly and the professional cadre of the respondents (p=0.002). Majority, (37.6%) of the respondents identified financial constraint and lack of CPD in area of interest (21.6%) as well as lack of motivation (16%) as constraints to participation in CPD programmes.CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists demonstrated positive attitudes towards CPD. Financial Constraints, lack of CPD in area of interest as well as lack of motivation were identified as main barriers at practice facilities, thus stressing the need to motivate healthcare personnel in their quest to improve skills. There should be need for reforms to develop targeted and cost-effective CPD programmes to improve professional competence and emphasis on some informal forms of CPD that would be easier to engage in depending on the learning objectives of the professionals.  

scholarly journals Are New Zealand podiatrists satisfied with mandatory continuing professional development?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Carroll ◽  
Angela Brenton-Rule ◽  
Hannah Jepson ◽  
Prue Molyneux
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Full Time Employment

Abstract Background New Zealand (NZ) registered podiatrists are required to participate in continuing professional development (CPD). This study investigated podiatrist’s perceptions and satisfaction surrounding mandatory CPD requirements following the implementation of a new CPD programme. Methods A cross-sectional study of NZ registered podiatrists was conducted between October 9th and December 9th, 2020. Data was collected using a web-based survey. The 39-item survey included questions to elicit participant characteristics, perceptions of CPD, difficulties undertaking CPD, and satisfaction with the new CPD programme. A mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology was used to report the survey findings. Results One hundred and thirty-four podiatrists completed the survey. Most respondents worked in private practice (n = 107, 80%), and were in full-time employment (n = 83, 62%), and had greater than 16 years of work experience (n = 73, 54%). Respondents agreed it was important to engage in CPD (n = 126, 94%) and reported that knowledge gained from CPD contributed to their daily work (n = 78, 58%). Forty-four percent (n = 58) reported difficulties keeping up to date with CPD. The main barriers to CPD participation reported were workload (n = 90, 67%) and lack of time (n = 84, 63%). Three categories (understanding the CPD programme; access to CPD; and time to complete CPD) were identified from the qualitative analysis to describe why it was difficult to meet CPD requirements. Conclusion Overall, NZ podiatrists value CPD and are satisfied with most aspects of the mandatory CPD programme. Facilitation of CPD activities that are flexible, relevant to practitioner’s scope of practice and conducted in the workplace environment may address barriers to CPD access.

THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN DISTANCE, PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME COURSES

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-50
Author(s):  
Almaziya G. Kataeva ◽  
◽  
Sergei D. Kataev ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Internet Resources ◽  
Modern Development ◽  
Grammatical Skills ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Time Courses

The modern development of society determines the forms and content of the process of teaching foreign languages. The quantity and quality of information in the field of mastering a foreign language is constantly growing as a means of sociocultural, linguistic and cultural and professional development of an individual. A foreign language is currently considered as an integral part of intercultural communication in various fields of objective reality and the development of a culture of interethnic communication. In the process of teaching a foreign language, technologies are becoming increasingly important which makes it possible to achieve the required level of communicative competence in speaking and writing in a shorter time frame and to recreate a virtual spatial temporal communication environment with native speakers. In this regard, the form of distance learning can be more and more prospective, being psychologically more comfortable for students and teachers; many of its elements can be integrated into other forms of training. The article exposes certain information technologies, the use of which increases the effectiveness of teaching a foreign language in distance, part-time and full-time courses. On the example of specific interactive multimedia Internet resources in the field of learning the German language, the urgent importance of using computerized teaching methods for acquiring and enhancing pronunciation, lexical and grammatical skills and knowledge with the aim of forming linguistic and cultural and professional competence of students is emphasized. At the same time, the article highlights importance of non-verbal forms of communication for achieving the desired effect of verbal communication, while relying on relevant audiovisual Internet resources.

The Politics of Part-Time Work: Gender, Employment Status, and Preferences for Redistribution

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
David S. Pedulla ◽  
Michael J. Donnelly
Keyword(s):  
Employment Status ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preferences For Redistribution ◽  
Time Work ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Part Time Work

Abstract The social and economic forces that shape attitudes toward the welfare state are of central concern to social scientists. Scholarship in this area has paid limited attention to how working part-time, the employment status of nearly 20% of the U.S. workforce, affects redistribution preferences. In this article, we theoretically develop and empirically test an argument about the ways that part-time work, and its relationship to gender, shape redistribution preferences. We articulate two gender-differentiated pathways—one material and one about threats to social status—through which part-time work and gender may jointly shape individuals’ preferences for redistribution. We test our argument using cross-sectional and panel data from the General Social Survey in the United States. We find that the positive relationship between part-time employment, compared to full-time employment, and redistribution preferences is stronger for men than for women. Indeed, we do not detect a relationship between part-time work and redistribution preferences among women. Our results provide support for a gendered relationship between part-time employment and redistribution preferences and demonstrate that both material and status-based mechanisms shape this association.

The mental health of Australian medical practitioners during Covid-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110108
Author(s):  
Michelle Anne Adams ◽  
Matthew Brazel ◽  
Richard Thomson ◽  
Hannah Lake
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Junior Doctor ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Mental Health Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Health Diagnosis

Objectives: To ascertain whether doctors were experiencing higher rates of distress during Covid-19 and whether this was impacted by demographic factors. Our hypotheses were that being a junior doctor, having a previous mental health diagnosis and treating Covid-19 positive patients would predict higher rates of distress. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted via Survey Monkey. Voluntary participants were recruited from the mailing list of a national-based referral service for doctors to psychiatrists. Distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Demographic factors were analysed for predictive value of a higher rating on the K10. Areas of concern in relation to Covid-19 and preference for support services were measured on a Likert scale and compared to levels of distress. Results: The rate of very high distress was 15%. Being a junior doctor and having a previous mental health diagnosis were predictive factors of a higher K10 score. K10 was not affected by likelihood of contact with Covid-19-positive patients. Social isolation had a larger impact on mental health in the context of a previous psychiatric diagnosis. Face-to-face assessments were preferred. Conclusions: Rates of distress in doctors have been higher than baseline during Covid-19. Some groups have been particularly vulnerable.

Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, and strain upon the start: enfranchising the medical profession for clinically proximate advocacy of improved healthcare

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110250
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C L Looi ◽  
Stephen Allison ◽  
Stephen R Kisely ◽  
Tarun Bastiampillai
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Health Advocacy ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
The Public ◽  
Team Activity

Objective: To discuss and reflect upon the role of medical practitioners, including psychiatrists, as health advocates on behalf of patients, carers and staff. Conclusions: Health advocacy is a key professional competency of medical practitioners, and is part of the RANZCP framework for training and continuing professional development. Since advocacy is often a team activity, there is much that is gained experientially from volunteering and working with other more experienced health advocates within structurally and financially independent (of health systems and governments) representative groups (RANZCP, AMA, unions). Doctors may begin with clinically proximate advocacy for improved healthcare in health systems, across the public and private sectors. Health advocacy requires skill and courage, but can ultimately influence systemic outcomes, sway policy decisions, and improve resource allocation.

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