Barriers to nurses’ participation in continuing medical education activities in Arua regional referral hospital, Arua city.

Abstract

Introduction: Continuing Medical Education (CME) has been identified as an element of professionalism in health care because of the ever changing nature of medical technology and the emergence of new diseases, drugs, and treatment guidelines. It is especially needed by health care professionals because their work involves human life. To provide high-quality care that protects and preserves life, health care professionals must keep abreast with scientific developments. Methods: This study adopted qualitative study design. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used to explore ideas from nurses and midwives working at Arua Regional Referral hospital. It was through FGD that practices and experiences were clearly described by the individual nurses and midwives, key informative interviews (KII) was used for administrators which gained a deeper understanding of participants’ perspective since the researcher had little knowledge about CME at ARRH. Results: Six FGDs demonstrated that nurses and midwives at Arua Regional Referral Hospital viewed Continuous Medical Education (CME) as an indispensable tool for professional growth, improved patient outcomes, lifelong learning and adaptation to new healthcare challenges. For strengthening teamwork and professional collaboration. However, they were some barriers such as heavy workload, poor scheduling, irrelevant content, lack of incentives, limitations were, as limited access to technology undermine consistent participation. Participants identified practical strategies, such as better planning, Flexible duty allocation, Motivational incentives, relevant content, institutional support, and mentorship, to strengthen engagement in CME. Conclusion: The study found out that CME as educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, update, and increase knowledge, skills, attitudes, however there were multiple limitations. It was recommended that provide consistent support for CME, Motivation, flexible duty rosters, teaching aids, and ICT resources, mentorship and peer-learning. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing nurse’s competences, improve service delivery at Arua regional referral hospital and similar settings.