Towards successful implementation of continuing professional development – a survey of psychiatrists' attitudes

Abstract

Aims and MethodThis survey aims to aid implementation of continuing professional development (CPD) by determining the acceptability of current proposals and predict problem areas. All non-training grade psychiatrists working in the area of a single deanery were asked about their attitude to CPD and, in particular, focusing on the peer group method.ResultsOf the 115 respondents, 98% said they agreed with some form of CPD. Just under half of respondents thought peer groups were appropriate for CPD planning, with four being the most popular size, and 3 months the preferred frequency of meeting. Problems identified with the peer group structure included individual, speciality-based and organisation-related issues. Regarding sharing of CPD information, 40% of respondents thought the College should receive updates of individual progress, while the medical director was cited in over half. Finally, loss of educational supervisor status was felt to be the most appropriate penalty for failure to adhere to the CPD process.Clinical ImplicationsThese results indicate that although there is general agreement to some form of CPD, peer groups are not universally accepted as the best design.