SWOT Analysis

A useful way of identifying an area of your professional self that may need some updating or
looking at in terms of planning future CPD could be a SWOT analysis.

A SWOT analysis is described as:

Strengths Factors that are likely to have a positive effect on (or be an enabler to)
achieving the clinics objectives
Weaknesses Factors that are likely to have a negative effect on (or be a barrier to)
achieving the clinics objectives
Opportunities External Factors that are likely to have a positive effect on achieving or
exceeding the clinics objectives, or goals not previously considered
Threats External Factors and conditions that are likely to have a negative effect on
achieving the clinics objectives, or making the objective redundant or unachievable.
Morrison (2011)
Personal SWOT analysis

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Good written and

Reading ECG's

Lack of opportunity to

Deadline of

verbal

prepare and observe

practical module

communication

a sub-cutaneous

approaches before

skills

injection

the completion of
certain
competencies due
to lack of

Lack of opportunity to

opportunity.
Course ends and I

of anatomy and

gynecological and

feel that I do not

physiology

obstetrics

have any or

emergencies /

enough skills in a
certain area

Good understanding

Time management

Proactive and

Maths and

problems
Lack of opportunity to

reactive to patient

calculations

perform specific

needs

trauma skills and

assessments
Physical fitness
levels

CPD is on-going and I feel should be individual and based on needs (Refer to SWOT
analysis). In order to overcome some of my weaknesses I have:
1. Purchased an ECG book and made ECG reference cards that can be used in practice,
I have also attended an acute cardiac management course at Warrington Hospital.
2. Got Support from paramedic mentors around drug calculation and also practiced using
extra questions and resources.
3. Kept going to the gym and aiming for 2-3 times a week either exercising or going to the
gym.
4. Kept a diary with appointments and times in to help be punctual.
5. Attended my maternity placement and also been involved in a home birth on paramedic
placement, I feel this helped relieve anxieties I had in this area.
I still plan to:
1. Attend a trauma training day in order to familiarise myself with treatment, assessment and
equipment.
2. Continue to constantly regulate myself and identify areas for improvement.