Barriers to CPD participation by radiographers: A case study in Malawi

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) aims to ensure that post-graduate healthcare workers practice safely, effectively, and competently to meet the changing healthcare needs, revised scopes of practice, and emerging healthcare conditions and ultimately improve patient care. Literature has revealed that radiographers in the broader African region, including those in countries such as Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa experience several barriers to participate in CPD. However, there is paucity of literature that documents the barriers that affect radiographers' participation in CPD activities from the perspective of radiographers, professional bodies, and employers.

The study aimed to explore and describe the barriers hindering radiographers' engagement in CPD activities in Malawi.

A qualitative case study design employing a maximum variation sampling was used to select one tertiary, secondary, and primary hospitals in Lilongwe district. Homogenous sampling was employed to select fifteen radiographers and three employers, one each, from the selected hospitals. Total population sampling was used to select the radiographers' representative from the professional body. Semi-structured face-to-face and one-on-one interviews were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was undertaken to analyse data from full verbatim transcriptions.

Three primary themes were identified through thematic analysis namely attitudinal, physical, and structural barriers that prevented radiographers from engaging in CPD activities. Radiographers, employers and professional body had positive opinions about Continuing Professional Development, however low participation in CPD activities was identified as a common barrier.

Continuing Professional Development is a valuable tool for radiographers' professional development and practice enhancement. Collaborative efforts are required to alleviate the barriers to CPD participation by radiographers, ultimately promoting CPD participation within the radiography profession. Future research should focus on mitigating those barriers to improve radiographers' participation in CPD activities.