RANZCO is set to launch a new continuing professional development (CPD) framework a full year before new Medical Board of Australia (MBA)-mandated learning requirements come into effect.
The college’s CPD Committee, led by Dr Lawrence Lee, has spent most of 2021 developing a new CPD system for ophthalmologists in response to changes being enforced by the MBA and the New Zealand Medical Council (NZMC).
RANZCO says both regulators are keen to strengthen the process and outcomes of “lifelong learning for ophthalmologists”, which aligns with the college’s own commitment to best patient outcomes, practitioner wellbeing and a culture of giving back.
The MBA’s three core changes – which officially come into effect in January 2023 – are the introduction of CPD Homes and Professional Development Plans for all doctors, and a requirement to do different types of CPD to improve the value of professional development.
Lee said the new CPD framework for ophthalmologists would be launched 12 months before it becomes a mandatory requirement from the MBA and six months prior to commencement by the MCNZ.
“The changes to the CPD framework are significant and the committee embraced the MBA’s sentiment of an inclusive CPD with purpose,” he said.
“We wanted to ensure our Fellows are ahead of the curve and have time to understand and embrace these changes before they become mandatory.”
RANZCO has produced a video that explains the key changes.
“The introduction of the Professional Development Plan is a critical change,” Lee noted.
“This sees Fellows engaging in reflective practice at the start and end of each CPD cycle. It is designed to ensure CPD is undertaken to further specific learning aims for Fellows. We expect this will enhance the outcomes Fellows get from their learning journey and will allow them to scaffold their learning over many years.”
According to the MBA, CPD Homes will provide a framework to foster safe practice and support doctors by coordinating programs, ensuring quality activities and keeping track of hours. Any new CPD Homes will be accredited by the Australian Medical Council.
In addition to launching early, RANZCO said it was strengthening its CPD offering through the creation of RANZCO-developed resources, which it would release soon.
Under the changes, doctors will do 50 hours of CPD each year, made up of:
- 25 hours active CPD – reviewing performance and measuring outcomes (doctors decide the best mix for these activities to suit their practice, with five hours minimum of each type).
- 5 hours traditional learning or educational activities – reading, lectures, conferences.
- 5 hours – doctors choose across the three types of CPD.
Current CPD requirements can be found here.
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