Abstract
This thesis reports research into an aspect of the education and training of health professional; it was undertaken between 1977 and 1980. The main focus of activity is in developing and evaluating models and interventions which will encourage continuing education provision for workers in the health fields. The main study was undertaken with a single group, health education officers and an intervention was identified which was piloted, trialled ad evaluated. Using experiential methods it enables a group to take responsibility for the initiation, implementation and evaluation of their own continuing education. Evaluation strategies are described. An action research model was adopted and the evaluator took a semi-participative role within the continuing education activities. The main findings relate to method, presentation, support and implementation. They will have general implications for the professional development of other groups such as environmental health officers, health visitors and social workers. Continuing education contributes to professional development. Its success or failure is influenced by the process used, by the context in which it is carried out, and by the content of the teaching. The evaluation demonstrates the successes and addresses the problems identified. Particularly it demonstrates the importance of collaboration and of using activities which enable groups to participate energetically in determining their own training needs. I will suggest that this method, and the tools developed, should be seen as an important contribution to the continuing education process on two counts; that of enabling the occupational group to take this responsibility for themselves, and that of providing them with a learning environment which is capable of enhancing their own training skills.