Assessing the Role of Continuing Education in Shaping Human Medicine, Dental Careers, and Pharmaceutical Jobs in the Era of Health Transformation: Systematic Review Based Findings

Husain Abdullah Keylani; Saja Awad Alamrani; Mubarak Ali S. Alshahrani; Shawgy Ibrahim Al-Hazmi; Nada Yousef Fageehi Fageehi; Safieh Ahmad Kuriri; Fatmah Ahmad Kareryi; Najwa Ali Anab; Mansor Ali Mohammed Kariri; Mohammed Essa Safe Ayashi; Ibrahim Ahmad Okami; Tariq Akkam; Ayman Ahmad Dawaji; Ahmed Mohmmed Ahmed Khardali; Rabiah Mohammed Dawood

doi:10.63332/joph.v5i12.3970

Authors

Husain Abdullah Keylani Department of Endodontic Dentistry, Specialized Jazan Dental Center, Jazan Health Cluster, Jazan
Saja Awad Alamrani Haqel General Hospital
Mubarak Ali S. Alshahrani Jazan Health Cluster
Shawgy Ibrahim Al-Hazmi Emergency Physician and Director of Emergency Operations Center, Jazan Health Region, Ministry of Health
Nada Yousef Fageehi Fageehi Department of Restorative Dentistry, Specialized Jazan Dental Center, Jazan Health Cluster, Jazan
Safieh Ahmad Kuriri Department of Endodontic Dentistry, Specialized Jazan Dental Center, Jazan Health Cluster, Jazan
Fatmah Ahmad Kareryi Department of Dermatology and Dermatosurgery, Gizan General Hospital, Jazan Health Cluster, Jazan
Najwa Ali Anab Specialized Jazan Dental Center, Jazan Health Cluster, Jazan
Mansor Ali Mohammed Kariri Ahad Almasariha General Hospital, Ahad Almasariha
Mohammed Essa Safe Ayashi Al-Aridah General Hospital
Ibrahim Ahmad Okami Center Management, Middle Sector (Medical Supply)
Tariq Akkam Consultant Prosthodontist and Head of Prosthodontics Department, Jazan Specialized Dental Center
Ayman Ahmad Dawaji Umm Al-Qura University
Ahmed Mohmmed Ahmed Khardali Jazan Hospital
Rabiah Mohammed Dawood Jazan Health Cluster alkhadra alganubia Primary Care Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i12.3970

Keywords:

Continuing Professional Development, Healthcare Education, Human Medicine, Dental Careers, Pharmaceutical Jobs, CPD Barriers, Learning Modalities, Healthcare Workforce, Professional Competence, Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Continuing professional development (CPD) plays a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare professionals maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of human medicine, dental careers, and pharmacy. However, disparities in CPD access and implementation across different regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), present significant challenges to healthcare workforce development. Aim: This systematic review aimed to assess the role of CPD in enhancing professional competence, improving patient outcomes, and addressing the challenges in its implementation across human medicine, dental, and pharmaceutical sectors. Method: A systematic search was conducted for studies published between 2021 and 2025 in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Ten primary studies were selected based on their methodological rigor, focusing on CPD effectiveness, barriers to participation, and preferred learning modalities. Data were extracted and synthesized to identify trends and common themes. Results: The review found that CPD programs, particularly blended learning models, positively impacted professional competence and patient care outcomes. Barriers to CPD participation were most prevalent in LMICs, including resource constraints and limited access to digital platforms. Mandatory CPD systems were more effective in ensuring sustained participation and improving outcomes, while voluntary systems had lower engagement. Conclusion: CPD is essential for the continuous professional development of healthcare workers and the improvement of patient outcomes. However, addressing barriers to CPD participation, especially in LMICs, is critical to ensuring equitable access. Future research should focus on developing cost-effective, scalable CPD models to overcome these challenges.