Ms Helen McGregor1, Dr Louise Horstmanshof2, Dr Brett Vaughan2,3,4
1Northern NSW Local Health District, Lismore, Australia, 2Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia, 3 University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 4Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
Biography:
Helen has been an Allied Health clinician for over 40 years working in Community Health and hospital services. She now looks to give back to the professions by adding to the body of evidence supporting professional practice by investigating Allied Health specific CPD.
Abstract:
Aims:
Continuing professional development (CPD) is undertaken to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge. CPD is an annual requirement for the regulated Allied Health Professions (AHP) and most of the self-regulated professions. This research aims to clarify AHP motivations to participate in CPD and impacts on translation into practice.
Methods:
This study used a sequential mixed methods approach underpinned by Self Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci & Ryan, 2008; Ryan & Deci, 2000) via survey and semi-structured interviews. A data integration strategy of following the thread (O’Cathain et al., 2010) was employed.
Results/Evaluation:
Autonomous motivation develops with experience and advancement in career. Greater motivational autonomy is associated with more perceived meaning and value of CPD, and greater likelihood of translation into practice. Professional regulation and professional identity were not associated with motivation to participate in CPD. AHP sought CPD based on relevance and applicability to practice, to practice roles, and for the benefit of their patient groups. Changes in delivery and design of CPD since the Covid pandemic were welcomed for increasing access and flexibility.
Conclusions:
The findings of this mixed methods study provide insights into the motivators for participation in CPD. Of significance, are the clear links of increasing autonomy to likelihood of translation into practice and the patient benefit. These findings could assist in the direction of CPD governance. For CPD developers, this evidence my help to ensure alignment of CPD design and delivery to AHP desires for relevance and applicability to enable translation into practice.