CPD Framework 2007 - 2009

The Post Fellowship Education Committee (PFEC) is pleased to present the Faculty of Radiation Oncology Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework for the 2007 – 2009 Triennium.

Based on the Learning, Education and Professionalism (LEAP) Framework, the CPD Framework recognises that being a Radiation Oncologist involves more than just the possession of technical knowledge and clinical expertise. This program allows for learning across a range of diverse roles, responsibilities and attributes that are now considered necessary for being a medical professional.

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CanMEDS and the RANZCR Education Strategy

The RANZCR is in the process of developing a competency-based training program in radiation oncology. As part of its Education Strategy, the RANZCR has recognised the continuum of learning from undergraduate to postgraduate specialist training through to Fellowship with CPD and the maintenance of competencies acquired through training and practice.

Using the CanMEDS framework it is possible to link not only undergraduate and postgraduate training to the broad capabilities of the Radiation Oncologist, but also to link Post Fellowship CPD to the capabilities of the specialist.

Accordingly, the CPD framework for the 2007-2009 Triennium has been broadly mapped to the CanMEDS capabilities of medical expert, communicator, collaborator, health advocate, manager, professional and scholar to give an indication of the major emphasis on the capabilities being developed in each component.  The CanMEDS framework acknowledges substantial overlap between these roles.

The CanMEDS categorisation is presented to assist Fellows in identifying activities targeted to further development of specific CanMEDS capabilities and should be used as a guide only.

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Background

The Faculty’s Post Fellowship Education Committee (PFEC) had identified the need to review the principles and structure of the CPD program with a view to making significant changes.

The Faculty therefore participated in the pilot of the LEAP Framework which allowed Members to make a contribution to the on-going process and debate relating to CPD for medical specialists.

The LEAP Framework was developed on behalf of the Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC). Designed to be applicable to a wide range of disciplines and practice settings, the Framework uses the concept of medical professionalism as its basis.

Development of the LEAP framework was well informed by available literature in addition to consultations with a variety of stakeholders in the health care field. The Framework specifically acknowledges general adult education principles, as well as the literature relating to the ways in which medical practitioners learn and to the effectiveness of CPD.

At the conclusion of the pilot PFEC determined that the LEAP Framework would provide a progressive, flexible and validated basis for a CPD Program which would flow on from the structure of the developing Curriculum. In this way it is anticipated that CPD will become a natural continuation of the training program.

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Framework Outline
The CPD Framework identifies three main areas of practice: Clinical Expertise; Risk Management; and Professional Values and Responsibilities, called ‘Strands’.  These three strands are then subdivided into ten ‘Components’ of professionalism.

The CPD Framework recognises a wide range of activities as valid for CPD and categorises these into three ‘Levels’ of CPD activities.  The three levels of activity – Level One, Level Two, and Level Three - are intended to reflect a ‘hierarchy’ of CPD activities that are based on the ability of the activity to effect and demonstrate change in practitioner behaviour and patient outcomes.  It is possible for activities that a practitioner undertakes in Level One to lead to a Level Two activity, and then to a Level Three activity.

The structure of the framework is shown in the figure below.

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CPD Requirements

Participants are encouraged to analyse their learning needs and undertake CPD in those areas that they identify as being of need or interest to them, thus widening the scope of their CPD.

Participants are encouraged to devise a personal learning plan (this will become a requirement in 2008), outlining their CPD needs for each 12 month period.  Activities may be chosen from the examples included in this framework document or developed by the individual.  Individuals are encouraged to refer to their learning plan on a regular basis.

No CPD hours will be carried across years or into the next triennium. 

New participants commencing accumulation of CPD hours during the triennium will accumulate hours pro-rata, counting whole years only.  Likewise, consideration will be given on an individual basis for participants who have not accrued hours for a period of time due to special circumstance (e.g. maternity leave, extended illness etc).

There is no distinction made between the CPD requirements for full-time or part-time participants.  The underlying principle is that the standard of practice required is the same, regardless of whether a participant works full-time or part-time.  Therefore the requirements to maintain currency in knowledge, skills and practice are also the same, and so the CPD requirements are the same.

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Who is expected to participate?

All Fellows and Educational Affiliates who are carrying out clinical care of patients are expected to complete the annual CPD requirements.

Where a specialist medical practitioner holds a Fellowship of more than one Australasian College, he/she should participate in the CPD program of the College representing the specialty of active professional practice for that individual, ie. for practising radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand that College is the RANZCR.

Fully retired Fellows are not expected to participate in CPD.

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Mandatory CPD

The current program is NOT mandatory.  The PFEC believe that participation in CPD is essential for maintenance of minimum standards.  CPD is effective in not only increasing technical knowledge and skill, but also facilitating and implementing changes in clinical practice to ensure patient care and safety.  It is each practitioner’s responsibility to self, colleagues and the community to ensure currency.

CPD is also an important aspect of self regulation for the profession. 

As a reflection of this, the Faculty will progressively move towards mandating CPD for its members.

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Verification Requirements

Participants are required to keep a “Learning Log” detailing the CPD activities they undertake each year.

All activities entered into learning logs require the name, type and level of activity, the date completed and the points allocated.  Level Two and Three activities required additional information, including reflection and evaluation of the activity undertaken.

These questions are intended to encourage participants to identify, address, reflect and evaluate the action taken to maintain and/or improve their practice.

The College has provided a template for the Learning Log, however participants may choose to keep their records in other way if they prefer.

Participants will then be asked to submit a summary of their CPD activities annually on a purpose-designed pro forma.  No documentation or verification is required to be sent when you submit your return. 

A random audit will be conducted each year.  You will be required to submit documentation for verification, (such as your learning plan and learning log) only if you are selected for audit.

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Roll out of the 2007-2009 CPD Framework

A phased introduction of the new CPD program is planned.  2007 is the pilot year of the Framework; and we ask that participants maintain a Learning Log for the 2007 year.  We will then ask participants to submit a copy of their Learning Log by 28 February 2008.  An audit of 50% of the participating Fellowship will be conducted at the conclusion of the year to ascertain the participation level, to identify the type and nature of CPD activities undertaken and the relevancy, usefulness and applicability of the Framework. This will be done internally by assessing the Learning Logs received by the College.  This information will allow for minor adjustments to the program and will be followed by the introduction of personal learning plans in the second year of the triennium. 

In 2008 participants will be required to formulate a personal learning plan, outlining their CPD needs for the coming 12 month period, choosing activities from those already listed under each of the strands and components, or by entering their own activities.  Whilst we encourage participants to pre-plan and ‘tailor’ their CPD program in advance, we also encourage participants to take advantage of opportunistic learning throughout the period.

In 2008 on onwards, a random audit of 5% of participants will be conducted.  Those randomly selected will be contacted and asked to submit verification of their CPD claim.  This will involve sending a copy of your learning plan and learning log for review.

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Special Requirements for New Zealand Fellows and Vocationally Registered Educational Affiliates

It is important for New Zealand members to be aware of the requirements of the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) relating to CPD.  In order to receive an Annual Practicing Certificate the MCNZ requires all medical specialists to meet the requirements of an approved CPD Program which includes recertification.

Additionally, you are required to meet the following MCNZ requirements:

• A minimum of one Audit each year
• A minimum of 10 hours of Peer Review activity each year
• A minimum of 20 hours of Educational Activities each year

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the details of the MCNZ requirements as stated in their Continuing Professional Development & Recertification booklet which is available on their website at http://www.mcnz.org.nz  New Zealand participants who choose not to document their activities via the College CPD program should make their own substantiation/documentation arrangements directly with MCNZ.

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CPD Certificates of Currency

The College will provide a CPD Certificate of Currency to participants who require them for the purposes of Medical Council/Medical Board registration or accreditation. To request a Certificate of Currency, simply email the College and use ‘CPD Certificate of Currency’ in the subject line. The College will verify your participation in the program and email, fax or post the certificate to you. Whilst these requests are often able to be actioned within 24 hours, please allow 3-5 days for provision of this certificate, particularly if hardcopy is required. For New Zealand Participants, confirmation will be emailed directly to the MCNZ.

At the end of the triennium, participants who have successfully fulfilled the CPD Framework requirements will be mailed a CPD Certificate.

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Web and On-line Options

The CPD Framework and the Peer Review Audit Form along with templates for your Learning Log are available on the RANZCR website at www.ranzcr.edu.au/CPD.

Participants will be able to complete their CPD returns online. This will assist Participants in keeping track of their CPD hours progressively as they acquire them. For further information on progress please follow developments in the Newsletter and on the website.

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Important Dates

You should complete your CPD and return it to the College by 28 February in the following year (e.g. by 28 February 2008 for the 2007 CPD year). Those selected for random audit will be contacted by 30 June in the calendar year to provide verification of their CPD claim.

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Further Information

Should you have any enquiries about the CPD Program, please contact the College or call the College office on +61 2 9268 9777.