Accreditor and employer experiences of emergency care CPD provision

Background: Continuous professional development (CPD) accreditors and emergency care (EC) employers are indispensable in designing learning opportunities. However, there is a paucity of research about how they can contribute to and enhance CPD. This study explored accreditors and employers' experiences of CPD provision and how it could be improved.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with accreditor and employer stakeholders. Data were subject to thematic analysis.

Results: Employers wanted to be more engaged in CPD decision-making and collaborate with the regulator. CPD lacked quality control mechanisms, accountability and responsibility. CPD formats, topics and types should be relevant and link theory to practice. Accreditors indicated that CPD guidelines should be revised and be specific to the Professional Board of Emergency Care, and the regulator should provide online CPD activities.

Discussion: CPD requires a multi-layered, multi-modal approach. To be effective and relevant, CPD requires collaboration between EC stakeholders, including accreditors, the employers, the regulator and practitioners over its the format and content.