Behavioural determinants influencing continuing professional development in healthcare practice: a qualitative study

The integration of learning from continuing professional development (CPD) activities into practice is shaped by behavioral, organizational, and broader system-level factors. However, there is scarce research utilizing theory to provide a comprehensive understanding of prevalent behavioral determinants.

To investigate key behavioral determinants that influence CPD participants' implementation of learning into their practice following participation in CPD activities.

Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals 4-6 weeks after they participated in a live, interactive CPD workshop. Interview questions were guided by the COM-B model to elucidate behavioral determinants; emerging themes were subsequently mapped to the COM-B domains. Recommended interventions were derived to optimize CPD outcomes using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW).

All participants (n = 11) reported applying their CPD learning in practice, either partially or fully). Analysis revealed that while Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation were all perceived to influence implementation, Motivation was an important driver, with professional responsibility and satisfaction from positive patient outcomes were also perceived to influence behavior. Opportunity was particularly challenging in community pharmacy settings due to time constraints, workload, and organizational factors. These findings informed targeted recommendations to optimize CPD implementation.

This study highlights the complex interplay of behavioral determinants that are perceived to influence the translation of CPD learning into routine clinical practice. Effective CPD programs should incorporate strategies to address setting-specific barriers-such as time constraints, emotional pressures, and organizational support to foster motivation and facilitate sustained practice change. Tailoring CPD design to these behavioral determinants can improve the integration of learning into practice and ultimately enhance patient care.