Continuing professional education : the perception of nurses working in primary health care. A quantitative study

Abstract

In Malta, studies that explored nurse's perceptions on continuing professional development (CPD) education are very minimal (Fenech Adami & Kiger, 2005). As regards primary health care nurses, no study has been yet conducted. Moreover, from the researcher's own experience working in the health centres, it seems that only a small amount of these nurses do in fact pursue CPD education. Thus, for the above reasons, it was considered worthwhile to investigate primary health care nurses' perceptions as well as what are the motivating and inhibiting factors that can influence one's decision to participate in CPD education. For this study, a questionnaire was distributed to 77 nurses who work in the three main health centres. The sampling method used was convenience sampling and the response rate was that of 83%. Prior to conducting the study, a pilot study was done in another health centre so that to ensure that all questions were not ambiguous or unclear (Genish & Lacey, 2010). Pe1mission to do this study was acquired from relevant authorities and the ethical considerations of confidentiality, anonymity and informed consent were adhered to. Descriptive statistical analysis employing a Microsoft (MS) Excel (for Windows 2007) programme was done to examine the raw quantitative data. The findings of this quantitative study are described in tables and charts. The study results showed that 73% of these nurses engaged in post- registration programmes but only 42% perceived it to have been helpful. It was found that the principal motivating factors to unde1iake CPD education were to keep abreast with developments in area of speciality and to develop the necessary skills to meet patient's requirements. On the other hand, family and child care responsibility and lack of funds were perceived as the most significant barriers. Apmi from the several recommendations which emerged from the findings, a major recommendation is that further studies as regards CPD need to be conducted. An important recommendation for education is that, educators become aware of the difficulties/ realities met by these nurses in their clinical areas so that adaptable academic programmes are formulated according to the nurses' needs. It is also recommended for practise, that parking permits are also issued for health professionals who work outside the hospital area.