RACGP CPD Activity Standards
The RACGP CPD Activity Standards (Activity Standards) inform the development of CPD activities for the RACGP CPD home under the MBA’s Professional Performance Framework. Activity Standards for assessing CPD activities have been developed using evidence-based best practice education. Activity Standards represent key components of high-quality educational design, implementation and evaluation.
These standards can be used by individuals and organisations developing CPD activities to meet the RACGP CPD activity requirements. They also form the basis for adjudication of CPD activities by the RACGP CPD home.
It is important that relevant documentation for development of CPD activities is retained for three years after the end of each one-year cycle as per the MBA CPD Registration Standards for evidence of quality improvement and audit purposes.
The provider must maintain at least one key person to manage administration, operations and interactions with the RACGP. The nominated person will be required to undertake CPD representative training.
CPD providers will also need to meet the RACGP CPD Standards.
Characteristics of CPD activity types
The MBA defines CPD activity types as educational activities (knowledge and skills), reviewing performance and measuring outcomes. RACGP CPD activities use the same categorisation (Table 3).
Table 3. MBA CPD activity types explained
Educational activities (EA)
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Activities that expand general practice knowledge, skills and attitudes related to a GP’s scope of practice. These activities will be very familiar to GPs and include learning opportunities such as lectures, webinars, workshops, reading, podcasts and courses. |
| Reviewing performance (RP) |
Activities that require reflection on feedback about a GP’s work. Feedback might be from patients, peers or even from themselves. In each of these situations, they’ll receive information about their performance that can either validate what they already do or identify areas for improvement. Meaningful reflection on this information is where the learning occurs and can result in improved capability in their scope of practice. |
| Measuring outcomes (MO) |
Activities that use a GP’s work data to ensure high-quality results. When measuring outcomes, GPs will use data from their work to show they are aware of current evidence and best practice in a particular area. They can achieve this by conducting activities such as research, audits and evaluations. This type of learning can help GPs achieve high-quality performance in their scope of practice. |
To explore a comprehensive list of activities and their activity type, visit www.medicalboard.gov.au/Professional-Performance-Framework/CPD/Professional-Development-Plans.aspx
CPD program-level requirements
The MBA Registration Standard: Continuing professional development requires all registered medical practitioners to engage in at least one CPD activity relevant to each of the following:
These are not additional to, but part of, registered medical practitioners’ annual 50 hours of CPD.
Please note that there is no designated time requirement for any activity and GPs are encouraged to choose activities that are relevant to their scope of practice. It is up to the provider to determine whether their CPD activity meets any of the program level requirements. For more information refer to Program-level requirements: A guide for Providers.
The CPD Activity Standards
There are four CPD Activity Standards (Figure 1) representing key components of high-quality educational design, implementation and evaluation.
Figure 1. Four CPD Activity Standards
When developing CPD approved activities, providers are encouraged to use the criteria outlined in the CPD Activity Standards to innovate and create high-quality education that meets the current and emerging needs of GPs.
Mandatory requirements for all activities
When developing and delivering RACGP CPD approved activities, requirements include:
- a GP on the planning committee
- alignment with the current RACGP curriculum and syllabus for Australian general practice
- a needs assessment (Appendix 3)
- learning outcomes (Appendix 4)
- a CPD activity session plan relevant to the application, specifying the MBA CPD type addressed in the activity. Note that the CPD representative dashboard accepts a minimum increment of 30 minutes per CPD type
- an evaluation form (Appendix 7)
- a record of attendance
- a statement of attendance or completion (Appendix 8).
If the activity submitted does not comply with the CPD Activity Standards, the RACGP CPD Program Coordinator may request further information. Failure to meet the CPD Activity Standards on the second submission will mean the activity is not approved.