RESUMEN
Continuing Professional Development [CPD] became an ongoing, lifelong activity for health care professionals. Radiographers must participate in CPD to sustain and improve their knowledge and professional competence. This study aimed at assessing different factors affecting radiographers' participation in CPD in Oman. A cross sectional study was carried out on 93 radiographers working in primary and secondary health care facilities of 3 regions in Oman. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered and anonymous questionnaire sheet including: personal data, inquiring about current participation in any CPD activities, CPD activities mostly attended, compulsory or voluntary CPD preferred, radiographer 's perception, thought and agreement on importance, benefits and barriers of CPD. The results revealed that 66.7% of radiographers reported current participation in CPD activities, 51.6% reported monthly attendance, while 17.2% never attended. Lectures had the highest percentage of attendance [38.7%] among CPD activities. Two thirds of participants [66.7%] preferred voluntary CPD activities than compulsory ones with significant difference in relation to regions and institutions. Respondents who preferred compulsory CPD activities reported significantly higher scores than those who agreed with voluntary ones regarding their perception of being encouraged by their departments to carry out CPD activities [78.2% vs 69.4%]. Those working in secondary care facilities recorded significantly higher scores than those working in primary ones regarding their perception that their departments offer enough courses at their clinical area. Finance was perceived by radiographers to be a greater barrier to participate in CPD [mean score=76.9%]. Participants who believed that they are responsible for introducing and developing CPD activities reported significantly higher scores than those who mentioned superintendents regarding most perceptions and attitudes. Significant positive correlation was reported regarding radiographers' agreement of importance of CPD to the radiography profession and its benefit in improving the clinical practice [means scores=90.9% and 8 1.2% respectively]. Most radiographers showed a positive attitude in participating in CPD activities. Departmental managers should take active role in encouraging staff to participate in CPD activities. The responsibility to introduce and develop CPD activities should be shared between employers, managers, and radiographers. Follow-up studies are recommended to determine if the aims of CPD activity have been achieved