Continuous professional development : A & E nurses' views and expectations

Abstract

This descriptive, exploratory study was conducted in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of a large acute general hospital in Malta, to investigate A&E nmses' views on the curriculum, design and delivery of a new continuous professional development (CPD) course related to emergency care had it had to be developed. Additionally it sought to understand the perceived influence of inhibiting and enhancing factors to participation to CPD by A&E nurses and to identify factors which they feel would increase their participation to such a course. A quantitative approach using a self-designed postal questionnaire was used to collect data from the whole population (n=72) of nurses working in the A&E department. Sixty one questionnaires were returned rendering a response rate of 84%. Simple descriptive statistics were used for the quantitative data gathered from closed questions, while content analysis was performed for the qualitative data. Findings indicate that respondents positively view CPD as a whole. They mostly viewed practicing A&E nurses and doctors with a high level of education, most suited to develop and deliver this course. Respondents thought that the course should possess eligibility criteria for acceptance to participate of a minimum amount of years, be offered on a part-time basis and in an environment of easy access to the respondents. Moreover respondents, expect this specific course to entail both a theoretical and practical component emphasising on practical A&E skills and topics related to emergency care in general. Assessment methods were viewed necessary to obtain a qualification of international recognition. Mixed views regarding, the adoption of an already available foreign curriculum or the development of a culturally sensitive one were expressed. Factors regarding organisational and management issues, availability and structure of the course itself together with mandatory CPD and financial constraints were viewed as inhibiting factors to participation. Respondents' also viewed career progression, personal satisfaction, keeping abreast with healthcare needs and better patient care as motivating factors for participation. Besides research to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed recommendations in the development and delivery of a specific A&E care course, further qualitative research using focus groups and interview technique is recommended, in view of obtaining a better understanding and clarification of expectations.