New software and appraisal project will improve CPD process
An improved version of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's online continuing professional development recording system, combined with an appraisal of the organisation's CPD recording and review process, are two new initiatives being taken to help prepare the pharmacy profession for the introduction of mandatory CPD in autumn 2008.
CPD Online
Version 3.0 will be released on 17 September 2007 and will
make it much easier for registrants to record their CPD because it will
provide them with greater flexibility in the way they complete their
records online, the Society says.
The launch of the new version coincides with the launch of a new CPD
appraisal project that requires 1,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technician
volunteers to take part in three pilots over the next six months.
Each pilot will look at different means of recording continuing professional
development, starting with CPD Online users, then CPD desktop users,
with paper records being reviewed in phase 3.
Peter Wilson, head of the Society’s post-registration division
and continuing professional development, said: “There is now less
than a year to go until CPD is mandatory and our project’s objective
is threefold. First, it will test the process of calling for and reviewing
CPD records and also recruiting and training the Society’s CPD
reviewers. Secondly, it will enable the Society to evaluate how well
users are currently complying with expectations for CPD recording. Thirdly,
the project will enable the Society to get invaluable feedback from members
on the CPD feedback report.”
The project will involve recruiting 1,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
from all sectors who are willing to have their CPD record reviewed. The
Society has already started to invite them by letter to take part in
the pilots, with the initial focus on those who already maintain CPD
online.
The Society points out that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who
take part in the initial review will not normally be asked to submit
their records for a further five years. They will also have the opportunity
to gain early feedback on their recording of CPD against the Society’s
criteria. Those who have their records reviewed will get feedback that
will indicate whether or not they are on the right path in recording
their CPD, or if they need to make changes in some aspects of their recording
activity.
Furthermore, as a result of the review, volunteers will receive a CPD
feedback report. For CPD Online and CPD Desktop users this will be a
comprehensive report that will be accessible electronically and a guide
for interpreting and understanding the report will be included. The report
will provide an analysis of how the CPD record compares with the quality
criteria.
Each stage of the CPD cycle will be reviewed in up to 20 entries and
the report will present a numerical analysis, written commentary and
comparisons with the CPD records submitted by other members. Information
will also be provided on how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can
improve their recording of their CPD.
The Society adds that paper records will also be updated (with additional
standard record sheets) at the same time as the online version and made
available on request in early October so that users can start a CPD record
from either the “planning” or “evaluation” stages
of the CPD cycle. This is in addition to the established entry points
of “reflection” and “action”.
More information about CPD is available on the CPD website (www.uptodate.org.uk).
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