Knowledge, perceptions, compliance and challenges amongst homoeopaths in South Africa regarding the newly implemented Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditation system

Abstract

Introduction Continuous professional development (CPD) refers to educational activities after graduation for the maintenance and improvement of knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices of health professionals, in order to continue to safely and effectively provide health services (World Health Organization 2013). CPD is one of the 12 recommendations of the World Health Organization to transform and improve the level of education that health practitioners receive. Since the introduction of mandatory legislation from the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) on CPD in 2002, no research has been published on this topic in relation to the profession of homoeopathy in South Africa. Global research on CPD indicates that various professional bodies experience difficulties in compliance and have identified challenges regarding incorporation of knowledge and skills gained via CPD events into practice (Naidoo 2016). Continuing professional development has provided an opportunity for advancement in the field of continuing education, and in maintaining excellence in patient care and safety (Pillay 2011). This study explores the experiences and challenges of homoeopathic practitioners in South Africa when faced with newly implemented CPD requirements and their challenges. Purpose This study was aimed at exploring the knowledge of, perception of, and compliance with CPD, of homoeopaths in South Africa. It also sought to outline the challenges that practitioners face and how compliant they are regarding CPD. Continuous professional development allows registered homoeopaths to maintain skills, accumulate new knowledge and enhance ethical performance required in professional practice to improve the quality of service and to promote professional integrity (Health Professions Council of South Africa 2014). Method This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach based on a questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions. South African homoeopaths were approached to conduct a self-administered questionnaire. The 31-item questionnaire comprised seven sections which covered the objectives of the study. The national list of registered homoeopaths maintained by the Allied Health Professional Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) had 630 names up to 2017/05/03. In this study 396 questionnaires were administered but only 187 questionnaires were answered in full which resulted in a 47% response rate. Data from the questionnaires were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using the SPSS statistics version 25 to systematically show patterns and trends. Frequency distributions were generated to describe data categories. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests. Results The mean age of participants was between 40 to 49 years. Overall, the ratio of males to females was approximately 1:3. Lack of available CPD opportunities was identified as the most problematic challenge and ways to address the issue were raised by participants and these should be brought to the attention of AHPCSA. The cost of CPD participation and to a lesser extent the time constraints involved were also regarded as challenges. Finding ways to address these issues will improve the quality of CPD and its acceptability by members of the homoeopathic profession. Conclusion This study provided some insights into homoeopaths’ perceptions of the recently implemented CPD system. Finding ways to address these issues will serve to improve the quality of CPD within the homoeopathic community in a way that is acceptable to its members. Homoeopaths in South Africa were experiencing numerous CPD challenges. Suggestions were made to overcome these challenges as well as improving the system. The direction in which homoeopaths want to move, going forward, what is done and how it is done, will not affect the fact that homoeopathy is a primary healthcare discipline where the aim is to benefit the patient, and to serve the community and the healthcare system.