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MASTER OF SCIENCE
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR RADIOGRAPHERS IN MALTA
VICTOR MICALLEF
May 2006
Continuous professional development (CPD) is perceived as important throughout
the working life of a radiographer as it is an important component for the
broadening, improving and maintaining the knowledge and skill, and develops the
qualities necessary for the execution of a radiographer’s duties.
This research was designed to assess whether the learning needs of radiographers
in Malta were being adequately met, to evaluate any factors which may be
adversely affecting these learning needs and to evaluate the future CPD needs of
these radiographers. The study analysed any factors that might affect the future
of CPD for these radiographers.
The first research tool used was a purposely designed questionnaire from which
qualitative and quantitative data were collected from radiographers registered
in Malta. The second tool used was a semi-structured personal interview which
was used to collect qualitative data from stakeholders of radiography in Malta.
Both questionnaire and interview designs involved rigorous pre-testing with
which they were evaluated and refined.
The results revealed that the participating stakeholders recognise the
importance of CPD and are committed towards its organisation. They all
cautiously agree that CPD should be mandatory. The radiographers strive to stay
active in their CPD but they are of the opinion that their learning needs are
not adequately addressed, mainly due to the lack of CPD activities available.
The few locally organised activities are organised in response to the needs of
the main employer which do not always coincide with the needs of the
radiographers. Finding the time for CPD was also identified as a major problem.
On the basis of the findings of the study, recommendations are proposed for the
CPD providers in Malta to explore the possibility of providing local higher
degree courses and also to invest in flexible learning such as e-learning and
open-learning. |
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