Background
Continuing professional development (CPD) provides timely clinical information in the current age of rapid knowledge creation. The exigent COVID-19 pandemic created a scenario that required healthcare educators to adopt alternate CPD delivery models to ensure training continuity. These experiences can shape healthcare professionals’ (HCPs’) preferences and needs, impacting their choice of CPD activities.
Methods
A cross-sectional, Q-methodology study investigating the preferences and needs of 47 individuals from a range of healthcare professions (physicians, nurses, allied health professionals etc.) was conducted. Three phases of Q-methodology were administered: Q-sample generation, Q-sort exercise and by-person factor analysis. Demographic characteristics like age, geographical location, healthcare discipline, and years of practice were also recorded.
Results
A Q-sample containing 40 statements related to HCPs’ CPD preferences and needs was derived from the comprehensive literature review and analysis of program evaluation data. The study participants’ demographic characteristics were diverse but evenly distributed (age, occupation), with a large majority practising in Ontario, Canada. Following the Q-sort exercise, an analysis of the respective factor loadings, distinguishing statements and available narrative survey data led to the identification of four factors. These factors represent different types of CPD participants and their training needs. Sixteen participants loaded onto Factor 1 (Value and productivity-focused clinicians), ten participants loaded onto Factor 2 (Application and competency-based learners), ten participants loaded onto Factor 3 (Respite seekers), and three participants loaded onto Factor 4 (Growth-oriented professionals). A single consensus statement that highlighted neutral viewpoints towards the need for CPD activities to have “appropriate difficulty and volume of content” was also identified.
Conclusion
This study uniquely leveraged on Q-methodology’s ability to study subjectivity using a limited sample, applying it to a diverse interprofessional population. Based on this study’s findings about HCPs’ CPD priorities, CPD providers should adapt their current CPD offerings to better meet contemporary needs. / Thesis / Master of Health Sciences (MSc) / Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) provides timely clinical information in the current age of rapid knowledge creation. Accelerated by pandemic-related restrictions, healthcare CPD activities have pivoted to alternate delivery formats like online or blended models. Experiences with CPD participation during the COVID-19 pandemic can shape healthcare professionals’ preferences and needs, impacting their CPD choice. Methods: A cross-sectional, Q-methodology study investigating the preferences and needs of 47 individuals from a range of healthcare professions (physician, nurses, allied health professionals etc.) was conducted. Results: This study uncovered four factors, representing different types of CPD participants and their training needs. These groups were namely: “Value and productivity-focused clinicians”, “Application and competency-based learners”, “Respite seekers”, and “Growth-oriented professionals”. Conclusion: This study uniquely leveraged on Q-methodology’s ability to study subjectivity using a limited sample, applying it to a diverse interprofessional population. The identified factors may also help CPD providers to better cater resources and support for the enhancement of CPD quality and participation rates.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/30466 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Neo, Nicholas Wee Siong |
| Contributors | Akhtar-Danesh, Noori, Chen, Ruth, Bilgic, Elif, Health Research Methodology |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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