Abstract:
: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is provided through in-service programs organized based on competency development and lifelong learning for healthcare professionals to stay fit with the required knowledge and skills. But, healthcare professionals’ financial constraints and tight schedules sending them away from the workplace for continuing professional development training is a challenge. Hence, eLearning is becoming the best solution to overcome those barriers and create accessible, efficient, flexible, and convenient professional development. However, evidence is limited on health professionals’ intention to use eLearning-based continuing professional development and its predictors.
Objective: To assess healthcare professionals’ intention to use eLearning-based continuing professional development and its predictors in Amhara region referral hospitals, Ethiopia 2023.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 28 to April 28, 2023. A total of 976 healthcare professionals participated in this study. Proportional allocation and a simple random sampling were used to select participants of the study. UTAUT2 model was applied to develop a theoretical framework. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used and a 5% pretest was performed. Data were entered into Epi data 4.6 and exported to SPSS 26 for descriptive analysis. AMOS 23 SEM was also used to describe and assess the degree and significance of relationships between variables..
Results: About 51.8% (506/976) (95% CI: 48.7-55.0) of participants have the intention to use the eLearning for continuing professional development. Performance expectancy (β=0.233, p-value<0.01), effort expectancy (β=0.082, p-value<0.05), facilitating condition (β=0.102, p-value<0.05), hedonic motivation (β=0.199, P-value<0.001), habit (β=0.473, P-value<0.001), and computer literacy (β=0.116, p-value<0.001) had a positive relationship with intention to use eLearning based continuing professional development. Age and gender were also a moderator of habit to use eLearning based on CPD.
Conclusion and recommendation: Overall, healthcare professionals' intention to use eLearning-based continuing professional development was found low. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating condition, hedonic motivation, habit, and computer literacy had a significantly positive influence on intention to use eLearning-based continuing professional development. The development of a user-friendly eLearning-based continuing professional development that meets user expectations can enhance the intention to use.
