A model for continuing professional development (CPD) in occupational therapy in South Africa: an adult education perspective

English: In this research project, an in-depth study was done by the researcher with a view to compiling a model for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Occupational Therapy in South Africa from an adult education perspective. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) encourages CPD providers to offer learning activities in line with adult education principles and greater learner involvement, with the goal of not only acquiring new information or updating knowledge, but also of improving competence and ultimately the performance of the health professional with an end benefit to the patient/client. The problem that was addressed is the lack of a model for CPD in Occupational Therapy in South Africa. The overall goal of the study was to make a contribution to the effective and efficient implementation of the CPD system for occupational therapists in South Africa through identifying the CPD needs of occupational therapists and ultimately supporting health care in South Africa through education. The aim of the study was to develop a model for CPD in Occupational Therapy. It was, therefore, necessary to determine the needs for CPD of occupational therapists registered with the HPCSA with regard to content, cost, time, CPD activities, learning situations and mode of delivery in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of CPD programmes for the therapists if necessary. An embedded mixed-methods design was used – a design in which one data set provides a supportive, secondary role in a study based primarily on the other dataset. The methods that were used and which formed the basis of the study comprised a literature review, and – as the empirical study - a questionnaire survey and a Delphi process. The purpose of the literature review was to provide a background in order to develop the questionnaires and the context for the research problem, to establish the need for the research and to indicate that the researcher was knowledgeable about the area. The literature review focussed on CPD from an adult education perspective. The purpose of the questionnaire was to do a needs analysis of CPD for occupational therapists and to determine the effectiveness of CPD activities concerning the acquisition of new skills, knowledge and professional behaviour. The development of the questionnaire was also structured in such a way as to provide both quantitative and qualitative responses from the occupational therapists. The purpose of the Delphi technique was to evaluate the criteria that could be used to compile a model for CPD. A modified Delphi process was used. Three rounds of the Delphi process were required in the present study. The panel of experts were requested to rate, rephrase and comment on the statements. The premises and points of departure for the development of the model were outlined in addition to the benefits. The needs to be addressed by such a model received attention, together with the academic and administrative aspects for the compilation of the model. Challenges regarding the delivery, as well as recommendations made with regard to the model were provided. The study was done to make a contribution to the continuous effective and efficient implementation of the CPD system for occupational therapists in South Africa, through identifying the CPD needs of occupational therapists and ultimately supporting health care in South Africa through education. The study could also serve as a directive for higher education institutions, for not all undergraduate and post-graduate programmes and curricula are necessarily built on adult learning principles. It might especially be the case in professional disciplines that the findings of the study could help bridge shortcomings in this regard. The researcher is of the opinion that the research made a contribution to new knowledge. By developing the model the identified gap is bridged. The sound research approach and methodology ensured the quality, reliability and validity of the research. The completed research can form the basis for a further research agenda. Introduction of the model will encourage CPD providers to offer learning activities in line with adult education principles and greater learner involvement, with the goal of not only acquiring new information or updating knowledge, but also improving competence and ultimately the performance of health professionals with an end benefit to the patient.