Introduction
Continuing professional development (CPD) is the term used to describe the learning activities that professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities.
Accountability to CPD allows for learning to become conscious and proactive, rather than passive and reactive. It is necessary for some professionals to be committed to CPD in order to enhance personal skills and proficiency throughout their careers (CPDUK 2021). As well as this some professionals, especially those in the medical field need to complete CPD annually and log the time spent learning in order to qualify for insurance and memberships of their Governing Bodies.
What it can entail
CPD combines different methodologies to learning, such as training workshops, conferences, events, e-learning programmes and idea sharing, all of which are focused on allowing an individual to improve and have effective professional development.
Why participate in CPD?
Some careers and professional bodies will require you to complete CPD for membership or insurance purposes (like The Society of Sports Therapists). Engaging in CPD ensures both academic and practical qualifications do not become ‘out-dated’ or ‘obsolete’, thus allowing individuals to continually ‘up skill’ or ‘re-skill’ regardless of occupation, age or educational levels. Remaining up to date with new knowledge and developments whilst ensuring safe and effective practice are paramount when someone's health and lifestyle are in your hands. As well as this, learning from professionals in the field as well as fellow colleagues enables relationships to be formed, thus creating a strong multidisciplinary team unit.
What counts as CPD?
Numerous activities can be considered as contributing to CPD. They can be categorised into informal (self-managed) activities such as reading journals, watching webinars or reading a book or formal (structured) activities, like attending conferences, courses or events (SST 2021).
Now that we look to be coming out of some of the restrictions a lot of CPD courses can resume again. I have been completing weekly CPD over zoom with other therapists, going over injuries and treatment plans but you just can’t beat being back to in person learning! I hope this blog sheds a little bit of light on the importance of CPD and helps reinforce that here at IRC we undertake the highest of education in order to provide the best of services!
Thanks again for reading,
Olivia
BSc Hons Sports Therapy MSST
MSc Strength and Conditioning
07761887778
olivia@injuryrecoverycentre.co.uk
References
Society of Sports Therapists- https://society-of-sports-therapists.org/cpd/what-is-cpd/
