Medical practitioners' perceptions and views of current continuing professional development programmes in the Kingdom of Eswatini: the design of an accessible model.
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Background
Eswatini currently has no formal continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for doctors
to renew their licenses. The Medical Council of Eswatini has embarked on a process to introduce an
accredited CPD system possibly through the adaption of existing models, but there is lack of published
local data to inform such a process. Moreover, even where formal CPD is available it may not
necessarily translate to adequate levels of participation by practitioners.
Methods
The setting for this study was Eswatini. Firstly, a scoping review was done to derive lessons for the
country from established databases and grey literature describing models of CPD. This was followed
by a focus group discussion (FGD) and interview-based study to determine factors affecting
participation in CPD by local practitioners. Lastly, a participatory action research study on how CPD
in Eswatini could be improved and formalised was conducted.
Results
The scoping review provided an overview of the CPD models available in various global settings and
highlighted perceptions and views of medical practitioners towards these. The FGDs and interviews
provided insights on motivating and demotivating factors for doctors to participate in CPD activities in
Eswatini. Motivating factors included professional responsibility and learning needs, while
demotivating factors included lack of recognition for efforts and CPD activities not being relevant to
one’s practice. The PAR identified three ways to improve CPD in Eswatini; making it compulsory,
recognising achievements and ensuring that it is relevant to doctors’ practice areas.
Conclusion
There are many models for CPD which Eswatini can adopt; each has its own advantages and
disadvantages. A CPD model that is formalised, compulsory, considers the needs of practitioners and
recognises their efforts is likely to be viewed favourably. There are ways to improve CPD which
consider these identified issues and these form important considerations for Eswatini as it endeavours
to develop its own model.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.