The Effectiveness of Continuing Professional Development Programs for Radiologic Technologists: A Systematic Review in the Philippines

Abstract

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for maintaining professional competence, strengthening technical skills, and supporting lifelong learning among radiologic technologists. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of CPD programmes for radiologic technologists in the Philippines, with attention to competency enhancement, participation, learning modalities, barriers, and professional development outcomes. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Philippine institutional repositories, were searched using relevant CPD and radiologic technology keywords. From 340 identified records, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria after screening and eligibility assessment. The findings showed that CPD programmes positively influenced professional competence, clinical performance, diagnostic imaging quality, patient safety, and workforce adaptability. Radiologic technologists generally reported favourable perceptions of CPD and recognised its role in professional growth and competency development. Effective CPD systems were characterised by competency-based, flexible, learner-centred, and multimodal approaches, including online learning, blended learning, workshops, reflective practice, and experiential training. These approaches supported the maintenance of current knowledge and the application of skills in changing clinical environments. However, participation was hindered by time constraints, workload demands, financial limitations, limited institutional support, accessibility issues, and technological challenges. Overall, CPD remains important in strengthening workforce competence and healthcare quality. Enhancing institutional support, providing protected learning time, and improving the accessibility and affordability of CPD opportunities may further support participation and professional development among radiologic technologists in the Philippine healthcare setting and related clinical workplaces safely and sustainably.