Kenyan midwives: Perspectives on continuing professional development (CPD)

International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 24-25, 2013 Holiday Inn Orlando International Airport, Orlando, FL, USA

Lucy Kawira Gitonga

Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

C ontinuing Professional Development (CPD) provides an important strategy for reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality with the aim of attaining Millennium Development goals (MDG) four and five; however, there is lack of information about how Kenyan midwives understand and perceive CPD and how this is situated in the practice and social context. This research aimed to explore Kenyan midwives? experience and perceptions of CPD in context. A descriptive explorative approach gathered focus group discussion and questionnaire data on beliefs, opinions, perceptions, demotivating and motivating factors to CPD of a total of 25 midwives in a level five hospital in Kenya. Questionnaires were piloted and self-administered after cleaning and focus groups taped and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed thematically using inductive approach with the aid of SPSS computer program. Four key themes emerged from the data: Midwives? views of CPD; their motivators for undertaking CPD; the choices they made around CPD, and their demotivators for undertaking CPD. Congruence with the issues evident in the literature were; the difficulties with role diversity, the importance of CPD in personal and professional growth, the importance of flexible modes of study and the importance of a supportive culture for ongoing learning. CPD can be considered an important strategy for professionalism of midwives. The study findings helped in identifying gaps in the literature about Kenyan midwives? perspectives on CPD