Attitudes of occupational therapists toward continuing professional development

Objectives Healthcare professionals have always endeavored to maintain and improve their competencies to provide the best quality of service. The dynamic health and social care milieu entails occupational therapists (OTs) to engage in continuing professional development (CPD). The research aims to identify the CPD activities OTs engage in, describe the attitudes of OTs toward CPD, and compare the attitudes of OTs toward CPD according to person-related and practice-related characteristics. Material and Methods The study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. One hundred and five members of the Philippine Academy of Occupational Therapists (PAOTs) completed the adapted revised adult attitudes toward continuing education scale on complete enumeration with a response rate of 28.38%. Results were analyzed through descriptive statistics, a two-tailed t -test, and analysis of variance. One focus group discussion and seven online interviews with a total of 10 participants were conducted on purposive sampling. Results were analyzed through coding and thematic analysis and these were used to explain quantitative data. Results Formal CPD activities such as workshops and conferences are preferred by Filipino OTs over informal CPD activities such as mentoring and journal writing. Filipino OTs have positive attitudes toward CPD. There are no significant differences in attitudes toward CPD according to any of the personal-related and practice-related characteristics. Conclusion In a rapidly changing society, professionals, including OTs, must adapt and be open to new opportunities. Engaging in CPD is an ideal first step to stay relevant. Although the demand for OTs is strong, complacency is not advised. CPD is viewed as an investment with an expectation of a return. There is a lack of awareness of informal CPD activities, and a cost-benefit analysis is used to select CPD activities. Personal development and quality of service are motivating factors, but cost and prioritization influence the decision. In-depth needs assessments are recommended for tailored CPD programs, shared responsibility by employers is encouraged, and CPD advocacy should start at the school level. Strengthening CPD guidelines by PAOT and the Professional Regulation Commission is also recommended.