The Role of Continuing Education in addressing Skill Gaps among Practicing Nurses in Ghana’s Healthcare System

Abstract

This analysis examines the role of continuing education in addressing skill gaps among practicing nurses in Ghana's healthcare system. The study aims to analyze the importance of continuing education, identify the major barriers and challenges, and provide a balanced perspective by considering potential limitations and counterarguments. The analysis is based on a synthesis of relevant literature, including research papers on continuing education in nursing, healthcare, and midwifery. The findings reveal that while continuing education is crucial for maintaining nursing competencies and addressing skill gaps, various barriers such as financial constraints, time limitations, and inequities in access hinder its effectiveness. The analysis also highlights the need to align continuing education with evolving practice needs and establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems. The study concludes with a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen the role of continuing education, including enhancing the infrastructure, promoting equity, and addressing broader systemic issues. The significance of this analysis lies in its potential to inform the development and implementation of more effective continuing education initiatives in Ghana and similar healthcare contexts.