Radiographic CPD requirements—a regional study

Purpose: The Australian radiography profession is currently moving towards compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) participation. An understanding of radiographer's attitudes and opinions towards CPD will assist in providing a CPD programme that meets the needs of radiographers. The aim of this study was to determine Western Australian radiographers' attitudes and opinions towards CPD and the programme that is currently being run by the Australian Institute of Radiography. Methods: Two‐hundred and seventy‐seven questionnaires about CPD were distributed to metropolitan clinical centres across Perth and 15 rural centres in Western Australia. Results: A total of 192 questionnaires were returned. A response rate of 64% was achieved for the metropolitan area (178/277). Among all respondents, 88% were currently engaged in CPD and the group of age 50+ had the highest percentage (78.1%) of respondents who believed CPD to be very important. Updating professional knowledge (79%) and maintaining professional competence (75%) were the most popular reasons for participating in CPD. Participants reported that time constraints and workload are barriers to CPD participation. Employer initiated CPD was most favoured; with in‐house education and workplace seminars as suggested methods to increase CPD participation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that decreased participation rates in CPD were mainly due to time constraints and workloads. Participation in CPD programmes is likely to be increased with more in‐house education and workplace seminars. Changes need to be made to the current CPD programme to improve its accessibility and usability

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“…Th e content of the questionnaire was informed by previous studies on CPD. [2][3][4][7][8][9][10] Th e questionnaire was divided into four parts:…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Continuing professional development: Western Australian radiographers' opinions and attitudes

et al. 2011

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“…This finding was supported by several studies, where the radiographers surveyed were more in favour of formal than informal education, such as undertaking online personal study. 21,22 This finding could be due to the preferred learning style of radiographers. In a study by Fowler in 2002, it was found that radiographers were more prone to a convergers/assimilators style.…”

Section: Appropriateness Of Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…6,10,12,22 With the constraints experienced by rural and metropolitan radiographers highlighted respectively, open discussion between radiographers and employers would be necessary so that these issues could be resolved and solutions obtained for effective CPD participation. 21 Some possible solutions might be to include more in-house CPD activities or rosters for radiographers to attend seminars. Introduction of distance learning or video conferencing could be a solution for radiographers in remote areas.…”

Section: Constraints Experiencedmentioning

confidence: 99%

Continuing Professional Development: the perceptions of radiographers in New South Wales

2010

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Purpose: The Australian Institute of Radiography's (AIR) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme provides activities for radiographers, radiation therapists and sonographers. This article aims to investigate the perceptions of radiographers in New South Wales (NSW) of the current AIR CPD programme. Methods: 400 questionnaires were distributed within NSW. The questionnaire was designed to investigate the perceptions of radiographers concerning CPD using five themes: motivation for CPD participation; appropriateness of activities; constraints experienced; effectiveness of programme; and mandatory CPD. Results: One hundred and eight‐eight questionnaires (47%) were returned. A total of 68% (n = 127) of the participants were participating in CPD activities. The participants were most motivated by gaining knowledge through CPD. A total of 80% (n = 151) of the participants considered the activities listed in the Credit Recognition Framework to be adequate. The main constraint experienced by the radiographers in the rural setting was the lack of access to CPD activities, while in the metropolitan area, it was lack of time. A total of 59% (n = 111) of the participants commented that the current AIR CPD programme is an effective programme and 66% (n = 125) of the participants stated that CPD should be voluntary for all radiographers. Conclusion: Overall, radiographers identified the strengths and weaknesses of the AIR CPD programme. They were motivated to engage in CPD. This study also highlighted the constraints experienced, which need to be addressed to encourage more participation in the CPD programme.

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“…workshops, didactic education and interest groups) through different modalities, including face‐to‐face or teleconferenced group or individual contact. Based on the limited literature available (Cervero, 2001; Courtney & Farnworth, 2003; Cross, 1998; Henwood & Huggett, 1999), it seems that health professionals increasingly choose to supplement these traditional modalities through processes such as developing reflective portfolios, engaging with online communities, peer support groups, mentor programmes and systematic reviews related to current caseload (Austin, Marini & Desroches, 2005; Bodell, Hook, Penman & Wade, 2009; Burton, 2000; Mills, Francis & Bonner, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although some understanding of how health professionals maintain currency has developed over the last decade (Cervero, 2001; Courtney & Farnworth, 2003; Cross, 1998; Henwood & Huggett, 1999), there is potential for more extensive explorations in occupational therapy. In this context of new demands on and opportunities for professional currency maintenance, the researchers were interested in the perceptions of occupational therapists.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%