Evaluation of a reflection-based program for health professional continuing competence

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Health professional regulators have a mandate to ensure ongoing competence of their regulated members (registrants). Programs for monitoring and assessing continuing competence are one means of assuring the public of the quality of professional services. More regulators are adopting programs for continuing competence that require registrants to demonstrate reflective practice and practice improvement. More research on the effectiveness of reflection-based programs for continuing competence is needed. This study describes the evaluation of a reflection-based continuing competence program used by a regulator in Alberta, Canada. Methods Submission of a Continuing Competence Learning Plan (CCLP) is a requirement for practice permit renewal each year. CCLP submissions were randomly selected over a two-year period and rated according to a rubric. CCLP submission ratings and quality and quantity of content were compared. CCLP submission ratings were also compared to demographic and practice profile variables to identify significant relationships that could be used for risk-based selection of CCLP submissions in the future. Results Most registrants selected for review completed acceptable CCLP submissions that included reflective content. There was a relationship between CCLP submission rating and the gender identity of participants. There was no relationship between CCLP submission rating and participants' age, years since graduation, practice area, role or setting, client age range, or geographic location of primary employer. Conclusions The absence of statistically significant relationships between demographic and practice profile variables, other than gender identity, suggests that the other factors identified in the literature as risks to competence and professional conduct, are not necessarily risk factors for how registrants complete their CCLP submissions. Further comparison of CCLP submission ratings to other workplace and personal factors is required to identify those that may be useful for risk-based selection for CCLP submission review.