Motivations and Expectations of the Participants’ Attending a First Aids Training Program;
A Qualitative Case Study
Understanding of laypersons perceptions related to their participation in first aids training programs is a precondition to tailor strategies that facilitate and optimize that participation. The aim of the present study was to explore participants’ motivations and expectations attending a first aids training program, as well as to describe the hindering factors. A qualitative research design was conducted and a self-reported semi-structured questionnaire developed for data collection. A convenience sample (n=25) of pharmacy staff members was recruited. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. From those who participated, seventeen women and three men, whose median/average age was 36,7 years old (ranging from 25 to 50 years old), returned the questionnaire fully completed. The analysis reflected three issues describing participants’ motivations for attending a first aids training program, including “personal development”, “strengthening role” and “value of offering”. In addition, the issues “individual level” and “collective level” emerged from describing trainees’ expectations. Participant’s attending such a program was hindered by “organizational related factors”, “work related factors” and “individual related factors”. This study contributes to the existing research area gaining a better understanding of the participants’ willingness to attend training activities. Identified hindering factors for participation should be considered, stimulating changes in the organization and the delivery of high quality and individual-appropriate educational programs. Keywords: motivations, expectations, hindering factors, first aids, training program, qualitative research