CPD Credits System
The RCGP CPD scheme will be a process and outcome based system
of learning which will provide a flexible framework for the
recording, assessment and quality assurance of the CPD of
participating general practitioners. It will encourage
reflective learning.
A paper,
'RCGP Credit Based System for Continuing Professional Development
(CPD),' that proposes a structure for the Credit Based System,
explains how the scheme would work and the role of the appraisers
within it, was endorsed by the RCGP Council on 14th June 2008.
Balanced CPD Portfolio
CPD requires doctors to maintain and improve
their standards across all areas of their practice, and encourages
and supports specific changes in practice and career development.
It promotes good medical practice and protects patients from
substandard practice. A CPD portfolio should describe the GP’s
personal learning plan, the learning undertaken with some
reflection on how the GP’s practice has changed as a result and
evidence of how the GP has kept up to date with new and changing
information.
Personal Development Plan
Educational activity will often be planned in advance through a
personal development plan (PDP) developed at appraisal which is
focused on learning outcomes. “Personal Development
Plan Guidance for Appraisers” which provides guidance to
appraisers on how to advise their appraisees on PDP
construction was endorsed by the RCGP Council on 14th June
2008.
CPD Credit requirement
A credit is “a unit of professional development which is a
product of the impact of a developmental activity and to a lesser
extent the challenge involved in its completion.”
• Credits will be applied according to the impact
and challenge of learning, rather than simple participation or
a time based credit system
• A minimum of 50 credits will be required per
annum
• A broad range of General Practice should be
covered in 250 credits over 5 years
Impact is defined as the effect of learning on a patient service
or the work of an individual GP, while challenge could be the
effort invested and a measure of how easily the work fits in with a
GP’s professional environment or personal abilities. Self-
accreditation of relevant CPD activities and documented reflective
learning will be encouraged, verified at appraisal.
To find out more and see examples of how the Impact and
Challenge CPD credit system will work click on the following link:
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/practising_as_a_gp/professional_development.aspx
The scheme pilot is due to run between October 2008 and April
2009 in six UK deaneries.