Dataset Information

Use of a 2-year continuing professional development programme to change Japanese physicians' attitudes to learning primary care: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate changes in the learning attitudes of primary care physicians.

Design

Qualitative study through one focus group interview with the programme's participants. Analysis of the focus group content using the Steps for Coding and Theorization method.

Setting

Japan.

Participants

Eight primary care physicians who completed a 2-year continuing professional development (CPD) programme using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, focused on acquiring the skills needed to practise as primary care physicians in the community.

Results

Participants described positive changes in their attitudes and behaviours as a result of the training programme. These changes were grouped into three main themes: 'changes in learning methods regarding medical practice', 'encounters with diverse perspectives and values, and confidence gained from those encounters', and 'showing one's attitude towards learning and its influence on others'. The experienced practitioners participating in this study reported that the programme helped them apply their skills more broadly; for example, searching the literature for psychosocial aspects of practice and engaging more comfortably with diverse perspectives. They reported the positive impact of their learning on their coworkers.

Conclusion

A 2-year CPD programme using PBL can influence primary care physicians' attitudes and learning-related behaviours. Further research is needed to determine which specific aspects of the programme are the most effective and whether the changes in attitudes and behaviours described affect patient care.

SUBMITTER: Seki M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9277376 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BackgroundAotearoa New Zealand (NZ) registered podiatrists are required to participate in a mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) programme. This study investigated podiatrist's perceptions and satisfaction surrounding mandatory CPD requirements following the implementation of a new 2-year CPD programme.MethodsA cross-sectional study of NZ registered podiatrists was conducted between October 9th and December 9th, 2020. Data was collected using a web-based survey. The 39-item survey included questions to elicit participant characteristics, perceptions of CPD, difficulties undertaking CPD, and satisfaction with the new CPD programme. The survey findings were reported using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-four podiatrists completed the survey. Most respondents worked in private practice (n = 107, 80 %), were in full-time employment (n = 83, 62 %), and had greater than 16 years of work experience (n = 73, 54 %). Respondents agreed it was important to engage in CPD (n = 126, 94 %) and reported that knowledge gained from CPD contributed to their daily work (n = 78, 58 %). 44 % (n = 58) reported difficulties keeping up to date with CPD. The main barriers to CPD participation reported were workload (n = 90, 67 %) and lack of time (n = 84, 63 %). Three categories (understanding the CPD programme; access to CPD; and time to complete CPD) were identified from the qualitative analysis to describe why it was difficult to meet CPD requirements.ConclusionsNZ podiatrists value CPD and are satisfied with most aspects of the mandatory CPD programme apart from the hours attributed to compulsory activities. The current approach to cultural safety CPD requires revision, with a move away from a time-based approach to a system that promotes an understanding and relevance to practice. Lack of time, practice workload, financial barriers, geographical location, and employment context were factors that influenced a practitioner's ability to engage in CPD. Facilitation of CPD activities that are flexible to ensure relevance to the practitioner's specific work within their scope of practice, and that can occur in the workplace environment, may address barriers and increase engagement with to CPD activities.