Evaluation of a back stability CPD course

A two-day CPD (continuous professional development) course teaching integrated back stability (IBS) to post-graduate physiotherapists, sports therapists, and massage therapists was evaluated using a descriptive (mixed methods) design. An eight-question, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and six person focus group were used. The course was evaluated over a five-year period and questionnaires were returned from 80 therapists, representing 65% of course attendees. Scores ranged from mean values of 2.81-3.81, and all questions scored above the mid-point of the 5-point Likert scale (2.5) and were therefore positive. The focus group addressed the three themes covered by the Likert scale and group consensus was that (i) the course had changed professional practice and had been incorporated into treatment protocols currently in use; (ii) the course did provide some novel techniques, but most effectively incorporated techniques from several sources and made them easier to apply; and (iii) the educational standard of the course was high. The course format may act as a model for other CPD programmes.