CPD changes: How the college is supporting GPs

‘Contemporary, evidence-based, fit for purpose, and high quality’: that is how RACGP Post-Vocational Education Committee Chair Dr Lara Roeske describes the college’s new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) home.
 
It is being introduced to help guide members through changes brought in by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) that will affect every doctor in the country from the start of next year.
 
There are several significant developments.
 
When the new triennium begins on 1 January 2023, GPs – along with every other speciality – will have their CPD measured by time rather than by points.
 
From then, doctors will be required to undertake 50 hours of CPD each year, carry out different types of CPD, and have professional development plans.
 
The introduction of CPD homes, which are organisations accredited by the Australian Medical Council to provide relevant programs, is another change – and one where the RACGP is well placed to give the best support to GPs, according to Dr Roeske.
 
‘We come from a workplace that is extraordinarily demanding and time consuming,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘It is really important that we can rely on the college to make this convenient and simple for us, with all the tools and the resources we need at our fingertips.’

Dr Roeske says the program design has been shaped by input from college members around the country.
 
‘We have proactively looked for feedback through a number of forums, seeking specific advice and guidance about how members want to see this work,’ she said.
 
‘We’ve heard from many of them, and we’ve incorporated their feedback into the program.’
 
One of those adaptations will ensure the program helps GPs fulfil their CPD obligations by recording activities that take place during their day-to-day role.
 
‘Our education and professional development need to be designed within the scope of work that GPs are engaged in and in the way we conduct our work,’ Dr Roeske said.
 
‘We have ensured that we can help our members log the professional development and learnings that are part of everyday practice.’
 
Recording that incidental education will contribute to the CPD hours requirements.
 
The RACGP’s CPD home also includes an extensive library of resources and activities to help GPs manage the training requirements within the constraints of a busy working life, Dr Roeske says.
 
This week, the college has begun an awareness campaign about the new CPD system, including details of the changes, how to navigate them, and frequently answered questions.
 
Along with other RACGP leaders, Dr Roeske is keen to reassure members that while there are new requirements, the RACGP’s commitment to CPD is unchanged. And with more than 30 years’ experience in delivering CPD, she believes the college is in the best position to help GPs adapt.  
 
‘We have been doing all the heavy lifting and hard work to ensure that our offering will satisfy members,’ Dr Roeske said.
 
‘GPs can be absolutely sure that the quality of education and professional development they will be accessing through our CPD home will be of the highest standard.’
 
Over the coming months, there will be a series of webinars for members by GPs and CPD coordinators, explaining the changes and giving practical examples of how activities can be recorded as part of the CPD requirements. Dr Roeske is encouraging all GPs to register for at least one webinar.
 
‘We’re ready to guide you through this and help you get the most out of your professional development,’ she said.
 
‘We’re there to take you through the finer detail.’
 
Read the 50 hour activity breakdown for the new CPD requirements and the frequently asked questions on the college website.

GPs can register for an information webinar here.  
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Continuing Professional Development CPD