Critical care paramedics’ perceived barriers to undertaking Continuing Professional Development activities in Qatar

Background: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is critical for healthcare professionals to remain current in their clinical practice. In Qatar, Critical Care Paramedics (CCP) are required to collect 40 CPD points (measured in credit hours) per year to maintain their healthcare practitioner license, but achieving this can prove challenging. This study was conducted to determine and explore the barriers perceived by CCPs working for Qatar’s National Ambulance Service to undertake CPD activities. Methods: This qualitative research study was informed by phenomenological research methodology. A judgement sampling strategy was used, and data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews conducted via “Microsoft Teams”. Data were collected and analyzed using a framework analysis until data saturation was achieved. Results: From the eight interviews, six main themes were identified, which appear to significantly impact CCPs’ ability and motivation to attend CPD activities. These included (1) finding relevant CPD activities and their availability, (2) financial implications, (3) logistical challenges around CPD activities, (4) the quality and value of CPD activities, (5) challenges faced in attending CPD activities, and (6) achieving the Department of Healthcare Professions’ (DHP) requirements. Conclusion: Although contextual, other ambulance services may benefit from this study’s findings. Work-life balance, high working demands with constant schedule adjustments, and finding relevant and accessible CPD activities create a major challenge to CCPs being available for these activities and accumulating the required number of CPD credits in a meaningful manner. The feedback collected will be shared with the leadership of the National Ambulance Service to attempt to remediate as many of the barriers identified.