Continuing professional development barriers and recommendations: Perspectives of audiologists

Background: Continuing professional development (CPD), a compulsory requirement of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), is undertaken by healthcare professionals (HCPs), including audiologists, to remain up-to-date with the latest developments, technology and best practices within their discipline. However, the low compliance rates of audiologists engaging in CPD need to be investigated to establish the barriers that audiologists encounter as well as possible interventions to improve their participation. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers that audiologists encounter when participating in CPD activities and to highlight their suggestions for improving its uptake. Method: The descriptive qualitative research design entailed the use of semi-structured online interviews with 11 audiologists practising within the private sector in the province of KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, their responses being thematically analysed. Results: Three barriers were identified, namely: (1) personal, (2) financial and (3) structural barriers, with eight subthemes and nine recommendations provided by participants. Conclusion: It is anticipated that implementing the proposed strategies will address the barriers and allow active engagement of audiologists in their continued education. Contribution: Limited literature has been documented on the barriers that young, private sector audiologists encounter within the South African context while also providing suggestions to address these barriers.