The introduction of CPD Homes means that many junior doctors and career medical officers (CMOs) will join a formal CPD program for the first time. Many junior doctors have expressed skepticism about the loss of self-managed CPD. This is a natural first impression - What will it mean for me? Will this cost me money? How much of my time will this consume?

While it is understandable to be apprehensive about change, to embrace it may have many benefits, both for individuals, our patients and the medical profession itself. CPD requirements have undergone significant changes, which experts believe will lead to improved outcomes and ensure that the highest standards of care are maintained.

One of the changes is the requirement for doctors to have a structured, accredited CPD Home. It is felt that a structured program helps clinicians to prioritise their ongoing learning, and ensures activities are appropriately considered as part of long-term learning. A structured home does not necessarily restrict the choice of what to learn; rather, it provides a framework to get the best from your learning. By participating in a structured CPD program, learning activities can be verified, and the knowledge and skills so gained are of a high standard.

The CPD plan, often referred to as the Personal Career Development Plan (PDP), is another essential component of the new regulations. It ensures that doctors carefully consider the use of their valuable learning time, helping to make the most of their CPD. A PDP allows doctors to adjust to their changing practice landscape, identify their learning needs and goals, and plan how to meet these needs. Through the CPD plan, doctors engage in relevant and appropriate CPD activities tailored to their individual learning needs and scope of practice.

The new CPD program requires doctors to do 50 hours of combined activities, with 25 of these hours split between 2 new categories - “Reviewing Performance” and “Measuring Outcomes”. The aim of this is to ensure that doctors reflect on their practice and identify areas for improvement. On first inspection, it is likely this requirement will cause many clinicians concern. However, there are in fact many ways you can gain hours in these categories.

For example, Reviewing Performance activities include participation in a critical incident analysis, patient surveys, 360 degree feedback, performing an audit or engaging in workplace assessments or peer reviews.

Measuring outcomes can include performing a self audit, logbooks, participation in root cause analysis projects and morbidity / mortality meetings.

For many, this will include activities they are already doing as part of their practice, so it is unlikely this requirement will become extra burden.

This practice-based reflective element encourages doctors to seek feedback, make changes to their practice, and assess the effects of these changes. This focus on “what we do rather than what we know“ strengthens continuing professional development by assessing whether a doctor continues to practice at an accepted standard.

The new CPD requirements also include a focus on the code of conduct in four areas: ethical practice, professionalism, addressing health inequality in Australia, and cultural sensitivity. Activities related to ethical practice and professionalism enable doctors to embed the ethical principles that govern their profession and the values and behaviours expected of them. This promotes patient safety and quality of care while also enhancing communication with patients and colleagues, leading to trust-building.

Understanding cultural sensitivity and health inequity helps doctors provide care that respects and responds to the unique cultural beliefs, values, and practices of each patient. This approach addresses the root causes of health disparities, promotes equitable care for all patients, and improves patient outcomes. Ultimately, applying the knowledge and skills gained from these areas of study allows doctors to provide high-quality care across multiple diverse patient groups.

In conclusion, the changes to the CPD program are essential for the medical profession to maintain high standards of care and ensure that doctors remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. The structured home, CPD plan, monitoring outcomes and reviewing performance, and focus on the code of conduct are all essential components of the new program. By participating in the CPD program, doctors can be confident that they are providing the best possible care to their patients and continuing to develop their skills and knowledge throughout their career.