Economic evaluation of CPD activities for healthcare professionals: A scoping review. Issue 10 (29th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orlik, Witold; Aleo, Giuseppe; Kearns, Thomas; Briody, Jonathan; Wray, Jane; Mahon, Paul; Gazić, Mario; Radoš, Normela; García Vivar, Cristina; Lillo Crespo, Manuel; Fitzgerald, Catherine
• Is Part Of: Medical education. Volume 56:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 972
• Page End: 982
• Publication Date: 2022-04-29
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; Medical education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610.7
• DOI: 10.1111/medu.14813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-0110

Abstract

Abstract: Context: Continuing professional development (CPD) activities for healthcare professionals are central to the optimisation of patient safety and person‐centred care. Although there is some evidence on the economics of healthcare professionals training, very little is known about the costs and benefits of CPD. Methods: This study aimed to review the research evidence on economic evaluations of CPD activities for healthcare professionals. CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Econlit and Web of Science databases were used to identify articles published between 2010 and 2021. Results: Of the 6791 titles identified, 119 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. The majority of articles were partial economic evaluations of CPD programmes ( n = 70); half were from the USA. Studies that included multiple professions were most prevalent ( n = 54), followed by nurses ( n = 34) and doctors ( n = 23). Patient outcomes were the most commonly reported outcome ( n = 51), followed by change in clinical practice ( n = 38) and healthcare professionals' knowledge gain ( n = 19). Conclusions: There is an urgent call for more evidence regarding the economic evaluations of CPD. This is particularly important in view of the rising costs of healthcare globally. The majority of studies included in this review did not provide detailed information on the evaluations and many focused exclusively on the cost of CPD activities rather than outcomes. Abstract : In view of the rising costs of healthcare globally, Witold et al. demonstrate an urgent need for stronger economic evaluations of CPD programmes.