Continuous Professional Development Programs on Nursing Competency in Critical and Emergency Care Units in African Hospitals: A Scoping Review

Edel Kibor; Vincent Kiprono Mukthar

doi:10.37284/eajhs.8.3.4247

Edel Kibor Kabarak University
Vincent Kiprono Mukthar, PhD Egerton University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.8.3.4247

Keywords: Continuous Professional Development, Nursing Competency, Critical Care, Africa

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Abstract

Nursing competence is an integral element of quality care practice in critical and emergency units. At the core of nursing competence lies Continuous Professional Development (CPD). There exists an unmet need in nursing competence in most African hospitals caused by resource constraints, culminating in a high critical illness burden. To date, the effectiveness and sustainability of CPD programs in alleviating the high burden of critical illnesses have not been well studied. The primary objective of this scoping review was to draw evidence on the effectiveness of CPD programs in enhancing nursing competence for nurses working in critical and emergency units. This scoping review applied the PRISMA-ScR framework. Studies that focused on CPD programs for nurses in African critical and emergency care were included. Nine primary research studies were selected and included in the review process. The results of the review highlighted the significant impact of CPD programs in improving knowledge and skills among nurses working in critical and emergency units. However, a major concern emerged over the continuous decay of competencies over time. The main barriers influencing the implementation of CPD programs across the studies were financial constraints, staff shortages, inequitable selection for training and infrastructural limitations for e-learning. Facilitators of CPD programs implementation include local program relevance, organisational support and blended learning. CPD interventions enhance nursing competency in Africa. Across most African hospitals, the long-term sustainability of CPD programs is limited by systemic inefficiencies and a lack of continuous reinforcement strategies. Addressing these challenges requires an institution-wide shift towards holistic and context-based CPD programs that will foster a competent nursing workforce.

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