In its revised model for recertification, MCNZ describes its expectations regarding Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. You can read this part of the MCNZ model here (pages 8 – 10).
GPs are no longer required to engage in a set number of CPD hours or activities - the traditional ‘50 hours a year’ model is no longer referred to. Compulsory peer group and audit of medical activities have also been removed.
Instead, the MCNZ is asking doctors to undertake educational activities that are of value, and enhance their competencies, and ability to practice in a culturally safe manner. There is also an increased focus on evaluating how learning will impact on patient outcomes, and on providing evidence.
MCNZ’s new model presents three categories of CPD activities:
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Reviewing and reflecting on practice
“Informal or formal practice review of individuals or groups of doctors with feedback based on actual work processes. This includes activities where doctors are reviewing, reflecting and learning about their practice with colleagues, peers, co-workers and/or patients.”This category now includes, but is not limited to, peer group activities.
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Measuring and improving outcomes
These activities refer to quality improvement processes that:
“include reviews (internal or external) of a doctor’s everyday work and resultant patient/health outcomes.”Clinical audits are just one example of this type of CPD activity. These activities are focused on analysing data and reflecting on information.
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Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities
These activities are the more traditional approach to CPD, focused on maintaining, developing and increasing medical knowledge.
MCNZ is asking all GPs to ensure that their CPD activity is:
“guided by professional development needs, and identified from Category 1 [Reviewing and reflecting on practice] and Category 2 [Measuring and improving outcomes].”The focus here is on planning for valuable learning, based on your practice context.