Nurses’ perceptions on continuing professional development: A case of Machakos Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is important for maintaining evidence-based practice in any profession,  especially health professions.

Objective: To assess nurses’ perceptions of CPD to determine the characteristics, the reasons and barriers for participation, and the  relevance and impact of CPD on professional competence.

Research design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire

Setting: The study was conducted at Machakos Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Results: A random sample of 166 nurses participated in the study. Results suggest CPD was perceived as relevant to nurses’ competence  by most participants if it addressed emerging health issues (72.7%, n=112). Most participants believed their clinical judgment (72.7%,  n=112) and timely decision-making (72.1%, n=111) improved because they participated in CPD. Results indicated a significant positive  association between continuing professional development and perceived impact on professional competence, with a p-value of 0.00 0.  Regression coefficient results indicated that continuing professional development had a statistically significant effect on the perceived  impact on professional competence. It produced a coefficient value of 0.238, t = 7.568, and a strong p-value of 0.000. 

Conclusion: The  provision of CPD opportunities is not a guarantee that nurses will participate. Tailored efforts need to be implemented to dismantle  barriers that hinder nurses’ participation in both institutional and external CPD activities.