Linking reasons for continuing professional education participation with postprogram application

Abstract

This study explores links between the reasons health professionals give for participation in continuing professional education (CPE) and postprogram application of learning. Data collected by pre-, post-, and 2-month follow-up questionnaires were analyzed for 247 health professionals, including nurses, physicians, mental health counselors, and rehabilitation specialists. Of the five reasons for participation studied, bivariate correlational analyses revealed a link between three reasons and postprogram application: “need to do your job differently,” “confirm what you are already doing is okay,” and “chance to network with others.” These reasons have a voluntary nature, intrinsic motivation, and specificity, and are comparatively more active than passive in orientation. Two other reasons for participation, “required to attend” and “general interest,” were not significantly associated with outcome measures. The results of this exploratory study provide discussion and suggestions for program planners and educators in influencing posteducational application.