Enhancing the benefit of continuing professional development: a randomized controlled study of personal development plans for dentists

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation and impact of personal development plans (PDPs) for UK dentists. Eighty‐seven UK dentists were divided into two groups, experimental (n = 42; supported by a tutor in developing a PDP) and control (n = 45). Both groups recorded their continuing professional development (CPD) activities over a 6‐month period in 2002 and rated their relation to learning needs, extent of new learning, immediate and longer‐term impact on practice. All in the experimental group were interviewed 1 month after completing a PDP, 6 months later they rated the match of their CPD activities with their PDP, and at 12 months a sub‐sample of 10 were interviewed. The results show that developing a PDP with the aid of a tutor was viewed positively. Participants undertook a median number of 17 educational activities in the 6‐month period (mean of 50 hours). Most frequent activities were reading and courses. Ratings for impact, both immediate and later, were higher among the experimental group who had been supported in the development of a PDP, and this was particularly true for reading. For courses, the impact of the intervention was more clearly in evidence when there was a good match between the PDP and the CPD activities actually undertaken. In conclusion, these data, based on self‐ratings within a controlled study, show that dentists in the experimental group, who were supported to develop a PDP, derived greater benefit from their CPD than the control group.

The Use of Personal Development Plans (PDPs) in the Workplace: A Literature Review

“…However, more studies systematically investigating the effects of PDPs and the supporting process conditions are necessary. Bradshaw and Hawk 1996;Brown and Irby 1998;Bullock et al 2007;Cayne 1995;Daniel and Stallion 1995;Dixon et al 2005;Evans et al 2002;Fenwick 2003;Firssova 2006;Hrisos et al 2008;Johnston and Thomas 2005;Lyons 1998;Marcoux et al 2003;Mathers et al 1999;Pearson and Heywood 2004;Pitts et al 1999;Smith and Tillema 1998Snadden and Thomas 1998;Snadden et al 1996;Sullivan 2004;Swallow et al 2006;Tigelaar et Beck et al 2005;Bullock et al 2007;Cayne 1995;Evans et al 2002;Fenwick 2003;Grandgenette 1999;Guaglianone and Yerkes 1998;Jun et al 2007;Marcoux et al 2003;Pitts et al 1999;Riggs et al 1997;Seng and Seng 1996;Stewart 2004;Swallow et al 2006;Webb et al 2006;Wildy and Wallace 1998 Stimulating (self-) reflection (reflective learning) (18) Bradshaw and Hawk 1996;Cayne 1995;Dornan et al 2002...…”

“…Also, when the PDP assessment is in line with the employee's learning needs and when there is a clear connection with the day-to-day practice, the perceived benefit will lead toward an increased enthusiasm and personal satisfaction, which will in turn stimulate personal development Bahrami et al 1995;Bullock et al 2007). The Use of Personal Development Plans (PDPs) in the Workplace…”

“…Furthermore, we looked for the two most used synonyms of portfolio assessment, namely PDP and professional development plan, which resulted in 89 and 53 hits. The other synonyms found in literature-"logbook," "personal activity plan," "profile," and "personal diary"-delivered no relevant hits (e.g., Bullock et al 2007). All articles we included in the literature review discussed tools that had the four characteristics we used to define a PDP in common (see "A PDP: Toward a Definition").…”

“…Three of these studies have been discussed in a methodologically clear way. Bullock et al (2007) researched the implementation and impact of PDPs used by dentists. The impact of the PDP was operationalized in terms of the GP's process of development and practice.…”

Using a Personal Development Plan for Different Purposes: Its Influence on Undertaking Learning Activities and Job Performance

“…For example, a survey in the Netherlands among companies in the region of Limburg indicated that in the context of talent management 89% of the companies are using PDPs (GITP 2008). In the UK, different authors stress the strong recommendation by the government to use PDPs in order to stimulate the continuous professional development of health service (Evans et al 2002;Bullock et al 2007).…”