Facilitators, Barriers and Motivators of Paramedic Continuing Professional Development

Abstract

Introduction As registered health professionals, Australian paramedics are required to abide by professional registration standards including the maintenance of continuing professional development (CPD). The broader health literature identifies facilitators, barriers and motivators for engaging in CPD, however the body of knowledge specific to paramedicine is weak. This research seeks to address this gap in the paramedicine body of knowledge. Methods This study adopts a constructivist grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and analysed using first and second cycle coding techniques. Paramedics from various state-based Australasian ambulance services and private industry (N=10) discussed their experiences specific to their attitudes, perceptions and engagement about CPD. Results Paramedic CPD goes beyond the traditional approach to mandatory training. Paramedics are motivated by factors such as modality of delivery, professional expectations, clinical/professional improvement and, sometimes, fear. Facilitators included organisational support, improved clinical knowledge, practitioner confidence, self-directed learning opportunities and perceived relevance of content. Barriers include cost, workload/fatigue, location, rostering, lack of incentive to engage, lack of employer support and technological problems. Conclusion By understanding what facilitates or motivates engagement in CPD activities, paramedics can navigate their CPD in conjunction with regulatory requirements. Although paramedics report some similar experiences to other health professionals, there are nuances that appear specific to the discipline of paramedicine. Of interest, a unique finding related to fear influencing paramedic CPD engagement. The results of this study informs paramedic employers and paramedic CPD providers with insights to assist in the development of positive CPD experiences and interactions.

An exploration of maternity and newborn exposure, training and education among staff working within the North West Ambulance Service

“…Much of the CPD activity undertaken by staff was arranged by staff themselves in collaboration with maternity partners and often attended in staff members’ own time. A lack of governance and quality standards associated with accreditation of learning and acknowledgment of CPD for those who attend highlights a gap in the process to support and recognise staff engagement and is identified as a barrier within the literature among the paramedic profession ( Gent, 2016 ; Hobbs et al, 2021 ). Just over half of respondents suggested trust-specific training days and/or paid learning and protected time as key to ensuring all staff attend and engage with training.…”

Evidence for continuing professional development standards for regulated health practitioners in Australia: a systematic review

“…[ 42 ] Republic of Ireland Pharmacists N = 7 representatives of different accreditation bodies RQ 4—accreditation High Schindel et al [ 51 ] Canada Pharmacists Focus groups N = 42 Survey N = 416 RQ 6—scope of practice Medium Qualitative–semi-structured interviews Austin and Gregory [ 52 ] Canada Pharmacists N = 20 participants RQ 6—scope of practice Medium Hobbs et al . [ 54 ] Australia Paramedics N = 10 participants RQ 6—scope of practice Medium Correlational Horn et al [ 56 ] United States Paediatric nurses N = 74 participants RQ 6—scope of practice Low Yardbrough et al . [ 57 ] United States Nurses N = 67 participants RQ 6—scope of practice Low Cross-sectional Buttars et al .…”

“…Mandatory CPD requirements are a strong motivational factor for the completion of CPD activities [ 53 , 54 , 59 , 60 ]. Comparisons of CPD participation in mandated and non-mandated jurisdictions show that psychologists complete one-third fewer CPD credits than their mandated counterparts [ 61 ] and physiotherapists complete 16% less [ 62 ].…”

“…Almost two-thirds of respondents to a national survey of osteopaths registered in New Zealand in 2016 reported that their communication skills improved as a result of CPD (62%), and over half indicated that CPD helped them develop their business (56%) [ 53 ]. Semi-structured interviews of Australian paramedics revealed that they perceive CPD as contributing to opportunities for career progression [ 54 ]. Similar findings were obtained from a systematic review of CPD and nursing [ 55 ] and a correlational study of paediatric nurses in the United States [ 56 ].…”

“…Nurses and paramedics also identified personal fulfilment, improved self-esteem and self-confidence during practice as being another important outcome of CPD [54][55][56]. A study of nurses working in a medium-sized hospital in the southwestern United States found a weak correlation between job satisfaction and career development with staff retention [57].…”