I have developed my CPD Plan, how do I claim the CPD credits?

After saving your CPD Plan select the Add Activity option on the left hand banner.  Writing your CPD plan can be claimed under Category 2/Level 2 at 2 credits per hour.

Why do we have to do a CPD plan? 

Your CPD is unique to you. Generating a plan allows you to think about what you need and to then actively seek CPD that is relevant to you. Formulating the plan will assist you in determining your goals and selecting education which will help you meet your learning needs.

Can I change my CPD plan after I’ve written it?

Absolutely.  You can alter your CPD plan at any time during the three year cycle to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Does the College review our CPD plans?

No, the online program is a tool created by the College to assist in you in managing your CPD program.  The only time the College will review your CPD plan is if you are selected in the random audit at the completion of your program.  If you are selected in the random audit you will be advised prior to the audit taking place.

Data in the program may be reviewed in a de-identified way to help us evaluate the online program.

I don’t feel comfortable recording my CPD plan on the internet.  What should I do?

If you feel uncomfortable recording your plan or reflections in the online program you can record this information offline. 

Activity Queries

How many credits can I claim for problem based learning sessions?

You are able to claim 2 credits per hour under Category 2/Level 2.

I am planning to do a Hospital Attachment, is there a minimum requirement of days and under what category is it claimable?

Hospital attachments need to be for at least one day in duration.

You can claim  2 credits per hour for Hospital Attachments under Category 2/Level 2. 

I undertake hospital inspections, can this be claimed under the CPD Program?

Yes this can be claimed at 2 credits per hour Category 3/Level 1.

I am attending a Conference with workshops on practical skills and procedures, which category do I claim this under?

Practical skill workshops can be claimed under Category 3/Level 2 for 3 credits per hour.

I attend a monthly mortality/morbidity meeting, is this claimable for CPD credits?

Yes, Morbidity and Mortality Meetings earn 2 credits per hour under Category 3/Level 1.

What is involved in an audit in order to claim CPD points?

An audit is a process designed to systematically assess and evaluate the care of patients.  You need to establish aims of the audit collect the necessary data, evaluate the data to draw conclusions, and then incorporate the findings in to your practice.

To complete the process fully the changes should be evaluated. It can be a continuous positive feedback loop.

What is a Learning Project?

A learning project is a body of work that you undertake.  It includes courses such as the TOE Exam and university degrees.

What is a Seminar?

A seminar is an educational session of a small group of people who meet regularly with a facilitator to exchange ideas around a specialized area.  They are often held as part of a university degree.

What are Self Assessment Tests?

This is gathering information about you. It helps you identify your important values, interests, abilities, skills and knowledge and to prioritise these. This then assists you to develop your CPD Plan.

I am doing a research project and need to know if I can claim CPD credits?

Activities related to research are claimable under Category 4/Level 2 at 2 credits per hour.

I’m organising a conference, how do I get it approved?

Approval can be obtained by contacting the CPD Office by email, fax or phone. You will need to provide details of your conference program so the correct Category and credits can be advised, you will then obtain an approval number.

How do I have an Overseas Aid Trip approved and under which Category do we claim?

Approval can be obtained by contacting the CPD Office.  You will need to provide details of your trip including dates, the destination and the host organisation.  Credits for this activity are usually given under Category 2/Level 2 for 2 credits per hour.

What documents do I need to keep as evidence of my teaching activities?

The College will accept any form of evidence that this activity has been undertaken.  We often receive a roster of teaching sessions from a department or a letter from the department director indicating the number of lectures given.

Reflection

What is reflection?

What is reflection? In an everyday sense, reflection is a ‘looking back’ on, or thinking about experiences; in a university and professional context, it is a looking back on experiences so as to learn from them. Therefore reflection is a means of constructing knowledge about one’s self and about the world.  Reflective learning looks back over what we have experienced to help us understand our own learning processes and what was learnt.  Reflection also encourages us to look beyond our technical expertise and to recognize our interpersonal skills.

How do I claim credits for reflection?

You can claim credits for reflection by looking at the following relevant and useful situations and recording them in your Online CPD Portfolio or your hard copy:

A record of the activity or a description of the subject matter.

Did you feel good or bad and why?

What were the strengths and weaknesses of the activity?

Given the situation again, what would you do?

What gaps in your knowledge or skills or learning can you identify?

Do I have to keep my reflections in the online program?

You can record your reflections in your Online CPD Program or you can note the information in your hard copy Diary for reference.

Printing Statements of Participation

I need a Statement of Participation, how do I get one?

Statements of Participation can be printed out at any time once you have started your CPD plan and have commenced adding activities to the program.  Click onto the Annual CPD Review in the left hand banner and you then select “Print your Statement of Participation”.  The second page of the printed report is a summary of the points claimed in the four category areas for your information.

I’m using a paper diary, how do I get my Statement of Participation?

Your CPD Statement of Participation can be obtained by contacting the CPD Office and requesting it, by phone, email or fax.

General Participation Queries

I am going overseas to work for a couple of years and want to know if I need to continue the CPD Program?

You can choose whether you want to participate in the ANZCA CPD Program or whether you want to participate in the local CPD program of the country where you are living. 

If the local program is more convenient for you to participate in can you please email the CPD Office at the College to advise that you will be participating in another program so we take you off our email reminder list.

I’m going on maternity leave for 1 year, what do I do about CPD?

If you are unable to work for a period of time due to illness or maternity leave there is provision for your three year program to be extended to four years.  We anticipate that in the majority of cases participants will still be able to meet the criteria within the three years.  If in your third year you realise that you won’t be able to meet the criteria of the program please write to the CPD Officer at the College requesting an extension. Further information is included in our Guidelines for Special Consideration.

Any queries or feedback on the program should be directed to the CPD Unit at the College. Email: cpd@anzca.edu.au   Phone (+61 3) 9510 6299