Perceptions, attitudes and needs of physiotherapists towards continuing professional development.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the physiotherapists' perceptions, attitudes and needs toward Continuing Professional Development. No such research has ever been carried out within the physiotherapy profession in Malta: with the ever growing need from organizations to provide the best quality services to their clients, physiotherapists have to continuously keep up-to date to the latest advances. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used throughout this study. One hundred and one questionnaires were sent to all physiotherapists currently working within St. Luke's Hospital, Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and Primary Health Care Centres. A response rate of 70% was achieved. In-depth interviews were conducted to 6 physiotherapists (3 males and 3 females). Also interviews to obtain the managements perspectives were carried out. Findings highlighted both the interest and the need of physiotherapists in pursuing CPD activities, however many of the respondents commented on the lack of available structures within the organization to support these CPD activities. Moreover, within the physiotherapy department even though CPD may be encouraged, again, both structures and resources many times do not support these activities. This study revealed the real importance that physiotherapists attach to CPD however, both the organization and the service have to find ways to support their staff with ongoing CPD activities to ensure that their knowledge and practices are updated with concurrent trends in the field. This can only be achieved through a proper and structured framework that ensures CPD for all professionals engaged within the service.