Individual and staff professional development in a multidisciplinary team: some needs and solutions

Abstract

Professional development has long been recognized as essential for the maintenance of a high standard of medical and therapeutic care. Rehabilitation brings together professionals who have experienced a broad range of specialist training, and whose departments will support various forms of continuing professional development. The medical profession has excellent opportunities that facilitate the acquisition of postgraduate examinations and the continued opportunity for staying abreast of therapeutic advances, written into the National Health Service Terms and Conditions of Service,¹ and taking the form of paid study leave and expenses. Unfortunately few other healthcare professionals can access such resources, although many have a more structured approach to continuing education than doctors.² Professional development within a multidisciplinary team has many different facets to it, including training for each discipline plus training for the team. Using observations from a Regional Rehabilitation Centre we consider different approaches possible for professional development with some possible influencing factors.

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