The electronic continuing professional development (e-CPD) that will be made in this study is a type of CPD in which educational services are combined using face-to-face and e-learning as an information and communication technology application. This definition encompasses blended, distributed, decentralized, hybrid, and flexible learning (Leidl et al., 2020). E-CPD is identified to be as effective as face-to-face CPD in improving nurses' knowledge, clinical skills, motivation, job satisfaction, self-confidence, and facilitating career (Beckett, 2020; Hakvoort et al., 2022; Sajwani et al., 2020).
This study introduces a blended approach to CPD in nursing as an innovative and necessary strategy to enhance lifelong and continuous learning, specifically in Indonesia, where there is a need for enhanced implementation of formal CPD initiatives. Different learning activities can be facilitated through face-to-face interaction and distance learning, including formal, informal, self-directed, research-based, and community-based approaches. These activities are acknowledged as effective means of conducting CPD initiatives. The activities provided are customized to suit the specific practice area of everyone, hence addressing their unique learning requirements. Clinical mentorship is integral to the ongoing professional development initiative, which endeavours to cultivate proficient healthcare practitioners. The mentorship program can adopt a hybrid approach to cater to the learning needs of mentees, incorporating both face-to-face consultations and virtual consultations (Michel-Schuldt et al., 2018).
Currently, CPD for license renewal for nurses is mandatory in Indonesia. However, there is no definite standard and structure for its implementation, resulting in a lack of coordination and no quality control over the training held. To address this gap, e-CPD was developed to accommodate training needs to stay with the required competencies. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate e-CPD for clinical nurses.
Background
A brief definition of CPD
Continuous professional development (CPD) refers to the ongoing educational opportunities that are accessible to professionals after the completion of their first professional training (Nyiringango et al., 2023). CPD is an essential component of continuous learning that enables nurses to maintain their competence in the field (Cusack et al., 2019). CPD contributes to continuous learning and preserves the practicability of nurses (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2016). Given its beneficial impact on patients, professionals, and organizations, encouraging the CPD of nurses within a clinical setting is crucial (Vázquez-Calatayud et al., 2021). Conversely, the method of delivering CPD is another crucial factor in attaining the desired objective. In the field of healthcare, there are three primary modalities for offering CPD: primarily face-to-face, purely online, and a hybrid approach combining elements of both. The utilization of face-to-face mode for distribution is commonly employed, yet it is perceived as a costly approach in terms of both temporal and financial resources. Primarily, the augmented expenses are attributable to the transition from the professional setting to a location where individuals can convene with the specialist (Nyiringango et al., 2023).
CPD can be carried out to maintain and ensure competent nurses who can improve professional nursing practices. CPD aims to improve nurses' competence, safety, and professionalism (Hariyati & Safril, 2018). Continuing development is defined as the entirety of educational opportunities provided in practical settings, and it holds significant importance in the enhancement of nurses' competencies (Azimirad et al., 2023). CPD is thus essential for nurses to attain, retain, and improve the expertise and abilities required to provide person-centred, safe, and effective care (Embree & Little, 2021). This CPD activity has also become a requirement for health workers, particularly nurses, in order to improve professional development, retain staff, and be trained (World Health Assembly, 2021).
CPD in nursing should be implemented in accordance with the professional needs of their work. Each nurse's CPD needs should be planned in accordance with the competencies that must be possessed. This planning is based on training assessment and clinical assessment of nurses (Gallagher et al., 2012). Nurse working in a paediatric ward, for example, should have all her CPD activities related to her competence and clinical authority. Alternatively, the nurse on duty in the emergency department should participate in CPD related to emergency knowledge and skills. The better the competencies, the more advanced the expertise and career path.
According to Benner (1982), the concept of CPD is that every professional development activity carried out will help nurses progress from novice to expert. This means that nurses' continuing education is closely related to the career path they will take. CPD should be implemented on a continuous basis and in accordance with the nursing career map (Herawati et al., 2017). The implementation of this career path must include not only the mapping and clinical authority that each nurse has, but also the relevant CPD program (Nelson et al., 2008).
CPD, regardless of method, including e-CPD, is a learning process. When designing an e-CPD program, not only technology but also other learning tools such as curriculum, which must be prepared with learning plans, assessment instruments, and learning media, are prepared (Davies et al., 2017). All learning activities must be in sync with the compiled curriculum in order for the learning method to be effective and efficient (Friese & Ailey, 2015). It should also be noted that CPD provided by nurses can help to improve nurse competence.
The implementation of CPD varies across countries. For example, in the UK nurses must clearly show that they have completed a minimum number of hours of CPD over a three-year period to attain their licence (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2019). In India, nurses must renew their registration every five years and complete 30 credit hours per year by attending continuing education activities (Delhi Nursing Council, 2016). There is no CPD requirement for nurses to re-register in the Netherlands. Nurses can simply voluntarily register their CPD activities in the National Quality Register (Cutcliffe & Forster, 2010).
Barriers to CPD implementation, according to Alshahrani (2020), include finances, a nursing shortage, and a lack of sufficient time due to improper scheduling. CPD is usually offered by nursing academic institutions, for which nurses must reimburse, or it is occasionally provided by the hospital where the nurse works. Many employees compete for a limited amount of money. When educational institutions discontinue providing this activity, its implementation can be hampered (House of Common Health Select Committee, 2018). The hospital management's allocation of funds for CPD appears to be a minimal cost in order to encourage and foster nurse competence; it should be supported and recognized, as competent nurses are a valuable asset (Scammell, 2018). CPD in Indonesia has not been based on development needs or competency requirements due to lack availability to undertake CPD (Herawati et al., 2017). To overcome the barriers, e-CPD is a potential effective method.
Indonesia study context
In Indonesia, the Clinical Nurse Professional Career Path begins with Level I Clinical Nurses and progresses to Level V Clinical Nurses. Further, CPD is a component of the prerequisites for nurses to re-register. Registration is done every five years by showing a minimum of 25 credit units in CPD, professional practice activities, community service, and scientific program. Thus far, the CPD that has been implemented does not align with the level of expertise possessed by nurses. Nurses has the autonomy to engage in CPD pertaining to any subject matter. The likelihood of nurses obtaining CPD is inconsistent. The challenges arise due to several limitations, including time constraints, availability of nurses, financial considerations, and the need for clearance from supervisors. Finally, the implementation of CPD has not been carried out in accordance with the specified competency evaluation requirements (Hariyati et al., 2017). The discovery of competency gaps from credential results or the advancement of science and technology in the context of the career path, which requires certain competencies, are two reasons for the need for CPD. This policy also specifies all CPD activities that clinical nurses could perhaps pursue based on their competencies at each career level (Ministry of Health of The Republic of Indonesia, 2017).
McKenna et al., (2022) conducted a study among 1355 Indonesia nurses and found that Indonesian nurses perceived direct care tasks are more important than performance, and training need., while supporting tasks were rated lower on performance and training need. Nurses with less than a year of experience said they needed more training. Another study conducted in Indonesia is the participation rate of nurses in a regional hospital, where 69.2% is classified as a low participation rate. Some nurses in this survey are reported to be able to quickly achieve structural and clinical positions of nurses through skills, approaches, and recommendations of managers rather than achieving competencies that are in accordance with the improvement of the clinical career path (Muhadi & Titin Wahyuni, 2023). This provides strong evidence for the necessity of implementing structured CPD programs that adhere to established regulations and standards. These programs should be designed in accordance with fundamental principles, advancements in educational technology, cost-effectiveness, ease of access, and the advantages they offer for career advancement and the development of competencies.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual education and training has become a new trend globally including in Indonesia. INNA hosted an online webinar series as a form of e-CPD with a variety of topics covered in each session. Participants in each activity can reach a total of 20,000 people. Academic institutions, in addition to INNA, offer free nursing webinar series (Elysia, 2020; Indonesian National Nurses Association, 2020). According to the findings of interviews with webinar organizers and trainings from INNA's association of nurse’s seminar, there are several things that require attention and consideration when organizing e-CPD activities such as those organized by INNA.
To begin with, the number of participants is always in the tens of thousands. This large number of participants is advantageous on one hand because it is hoped that many nurses will gain knowledge and understanding. However, it is debatable whether the following CPD topic is relevant to the professional development of nurses in the workplace. This issue should undoubtedly be given special consideration. Second, at the start and end of the webinar session, load the application system. For example, when a webinar begins, tens of thousands of participants log in at the same time, resulting in numerous complaints from participants if they are unable to join, and it is not uncommon for the system to hang. Why did the same thing happen at the end of the session? Due to this tendency, participants will join fully only at the beginning and end of the webinar session, and many participants will leave the online meeting room during the session. Third, participants' active participation. Despite the large number of participants, the activity is not proportional to the number of participants who join. Participants who asked questions or responded to the source's questions made up less than 1% of those who joined. Fourth, both speakers and participants must maintain network stability. In Indonesia, this is still very common. Furthermore, participants came from various geographic areas with varying network connection quality. Lastly, there is no formal evaluation of participants; only attendance and/or pre- and post-test scores for knowledge and/or attitude are recorded (Arisandi et al., 2023; Bakar et al., 2023; Main et al., 2019; Yo et al., 2021). The aforementioned phenomena present an opportunity for nurses in Indonesia to utilize online learning technology. This is expected to mitigate any difficulties in the future regarding the development of e-CPD.
The CPD programs available for nurses in Indonesia lack an organized structure and struggle to align with the specific career trajectories of individual nurses. The distribution of opportunities for CPD is not equitable, posing problems for nurses in engaging in CPD activities. These challenges arise from insufficient financial support, a lack of time, and constraints due to work schedules. Therefore, developing a pertinent e-CPD framework for clinical nurses is of utmost importance, as it can potentially promote professional nursing practice and cater to diverse career trajectories. The incorporation of information and communication technologies is important to overcome current obstacles. The e-CPD holds significant importance in Indonesia because to its flexibility in regard to time and location. It allows professionals to engage in continuous learning during a designated period. Moreover, e-CPD enables mentors to provide aid without interrupting their regular work commitments.
Additionally, this approach integrates existing activities with service-oriented initiatives, obviously, through the modification of the requisite level of proficiency for each tier of professional advancement. Nurses are anticipated to expeditiously meet their skills and embark upon a vocation as proficient healthcare practitioner. The intention is that this e-CPD platform will serve as an umbrella for implementing CPD utilizing the blended learning approach within the context of Indonesia.