That’s the message from FACEM Dr Alex Markwell, Chair of ACEM’s CPD Committee (CPD).
“The changes will be significant,” Dr Markwell says.
“What we are working out now is what they will look like and what is reasonable and practical for Fellows and members to undertake and what will actually help improve their practice, which is what this new framework is all about.
“The MBA has indicated very much that they want the medical colleges to take the lead and shape the CPD programs around what is relevant clinically for their speciality, so that is very positive.”
What are the new requirements?
The CPD requirements are part of the designed Professional Performance Framework, announced by the MBA in November last year. The framework, which is yet to be implemented, aims to support and encourage doctors throughout their working lives.
Under the framework, strengthened CPD includes all doctors:
- having a ‘CPD home’ and participating in its CPD program
- ensuring their CPD is relevant to their scope of practice and based on their own professional development plan, and
- completing at least 50 hours of CPD per year that includes reviewing their performance, measuring their outcomes and educational activities.
Read more about Professional Performance Framework
Download a snapshot of the Pillars of the Professional Performance Framework, including strengthened continuing professional development
ACEM working with the MBA
The MBA has indicated that before implementing any changes, it will consult widely and seek expert advice on many elements of the framework.
Dr Markwell says ACEM is actively working with the MBA to ensure the best outcomes for its members.
“The CPD Committee is currently looking at types of examples that might meet the MBA’s requirements but also be appropriate for us as emergency physicians,” Dr Markwell says.
“Once we have those examples we will go out to the membership to get feedback, suggestions. There might be options we haven’t considered and there may be unforeseen barriers that we have not considered.
“So the message is that all this will be drafted in consultation with Fellows and members, it will then go through the Council of Education and the ACEM Board.
“Going to the membership is very important so that we have something that is relevant, feasible and will actually help inform our practice.
“It is very much about doing what is appropriate for us as emergency physicians.”
New Zealand CPD
While it will be the first time measuring outcomes will be mandated in Australia, New Zealand doctors undergo an audit of medical practice as part of the Medical Council of New Zealand’s CPD requirements.
New Zealand Faculty Chair Dr John Bonning said: “When the requirements to record an audit of clinical practice were first introduced there was a bit of anxiety about what it might entail in terms of compliance, but most people have come to find it relatively uncomplicated and easy to fulfil.”
Fellows and members with any enquiries should email [email protected]