Attitudes, Perceived Benefits, and Experiences of Engagement With Professional Competence Schemes for Doctors in Ireland: Findings From a National Survey

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the attitudes, perceived benefits, and experiences of engaging with a formal system of continuing professional development (CPD) in the form of Professional Competence Schemes (PCSs) among doctors in Ireland. Methods: The study utilized an anonymous online survey measure with both open-ended and Likert-scale questions. The measure examined general attitudes, perceived impact, and experiences of engagement with PCS. This study examines the scale items only. All 4350 doctors enrolled on a PCS were invited through email to complete the survey. One thousand four hundred eight doctors participated, indicating a response rate of 32%. Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis) were performed on the scale items using IBM SPSS statistics, with group comparisons examining differences in responses according to gender and current primary role. A majority (80%) of respondents had positive overall attitudes to PCS. Most participants reported that CPD positively impacts their practice across a wide range of areas, particularly patient care. Most participants reported positive experiences engaging with PCS, although a minority reported difficulties, including lack of time to participate in and record CPD activities, difficulties obtaining evidence of participation, and feeling that their CPD activities are not easily captured by the PCS system. Significant differences in responses according to role were found for overall attitudes (confidence interval = 95%, P < .00) and overall experiences of PCS (confidence interval = 95%, P < .00) with nonconsultant hospital doctors emerging as a particularly vulnerable group with less positive attitudes and experiences. Discussion: Across the board overall attitudes, perceived impact and experiences of PCS were positive, and indicate that doctors feel that PCS is a valuable and beneficial activity. However, a minority of respondents reported experiencing difficulties with engagement, and these areas of difficulty represent targets for future improvement.

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

“…Indeed, one doctor working in a small specialty states, 'I find it a challenge to get meaningful professional development and so much of what I do is generic.' GENERAL DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS While the vast majority of the 1408 doctors who responded to the larger RCPI survey-based study reported CPD 'a good idea' and that it improves patient care and safety, 20 of the 434 doctors who responded to the open-ended question, a number of barriers and also suggested improvements were reported.…”

“…The quantitative results of that study showed that over 80% of participants report that participation in PCS was a good idea, with the majority reporting positive experiences engaging with the process, and indicating that they felt PCS helped to improve their practice across a wide range of practice areas. 20 A minority of participants reported experiencing difficulties, including a lack of time to participate and difficulties obtaining evidence of their participation in activities. 20 The present study concerns the qualitative component of the survey measure.…”

“…20 A minority of participants reported experiencing difficulties, including a lack of time to participate and difficulties obtaining evidence of their participation in activities. 20 The present study concerns the qualitative component of the survey measure. It was hoped that the open-ended nature of the question would allow for greater understanding of benefits, barriers and potential improvements to PCS in Ireland.…”

“…Details of the wider survey measure can be found elsewhere. 20 For the purposes of this qualitative paper, analysis was limited to responses to the open-ended question 'Please include any additional comments you would like to provide about the benefits, barriers, or potential improvements that could be made to PCS'. A total of 434 doctors (or 30% of survey participants) responded to this question.…”

Examining the Influence of Self-Esteem and Digital Literacy on Professional Competence Factors in Dental Education: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Training in dentistry is critical for enhancing the quality of public health services within a country and promoting competitiveness in global health tourism [1,2]. Evaluating professional competence and determining influential factors during education is vital for future career success, as they significantly shape an individual's work life and contribute to overall well-being [3,4].…”