Continuing professional development to support allied health professionals: A concept analysis.

Abstract

Methods: Focussed searching of AH regulatory and peak body websites were used to locate guidance documentation on CPD for members of each profession. The Rodger’s evolutionary method of concept analysis was used develop an operational definition and identify challenges to theory development. Results/findings: 37 unique guidance documents were included and analysed for attributes, antecedents, consequences, related concepts and references. Conclusion: Concept analysis proposed an operational definition specific to the AH context. There was variance around activities counted as CPD and consequences of CPD between regulated and non-regulated AH professions. From an industry perspective, strategies to support the AH workforce would benefit from either a homogenised understanding of CPD. Without this, future research and funding models targeting the collective AH professionals may have limitations specifically addressing workforce needs. Translational impact/implications for future practice: Access to CPD is an identified 'push factor' negatively impacting rural AHP workforce retention. This work is the first to attempt to identify what this concept is in the context of allied health professions as a heterologous group.