It’s that time of the year when many of us find ourselves in quiet contemplation over the year that has been. Some of us look back to New Year's resolutions, many of which were dropped by mid-February. Others think back on the highs and lows of the last 12 months. Some of us think about what 'coulda, shoulda, woulda.'
Physicians are required to undertake formal review and reflection as part of their CPD obligations. Regulators in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand require all physicians to engage in evidence-based review of practice as one element of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the shape of hours under Category 2, ‘Reviewing Performance’.
Reviewing performance includes activities that, formally or informally, critically appraise, assess and monitor doctors’ actual work processes. The role of peers, co-workers and patients together with their feedback is critical in this process of review, reflection and learning by doctors about their practice.
Category 2 requirements
Physicians are required to undertake a minimum of 5 hours of ‘Reviewing Performance’ (Category 2) and a minimum of 5 hours of ‘Measuring Outcomes’ (Category 3), with a total minimum of 25 hours captured across Categories 2 and 3. There are, however, 2 mandatory activities that physicians are asked to complete under their Category 2 CPD:
- Professional Development Plan (PDP)
- Annual Conversation
By this time of the year, the PDP should be well and truly completed.
Your mandatory Annual Conversation
The Annual Conversation is a structured conversation with a peer, colleague or employer about your clinical practice. Time spent preparing for, completing and reflecting on your annual conversation can all be recorded.
When it comes to review and reflection, your Annual Conversation provides a structured opportunity to reflect on development needs, goals for learning and professional activities, and intentions for the following year.
It provides an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and share best practice. It may also give doctors the opportunity to explore their satisfaction in their current role, self-care and any health and wellbeing issues so they are able to adjust their practice accordingly, set performance targets for the future, and consider longer-term career aspiration.
It's important to note that an annual performance appraisal of your practice by a peer also satisfies mandatory Category 2 Annual Conversation requirements.
Looking for guidance or templates to undertake your Annual Conversation? We have a number of resources available in the RACP MyCPD Handbook.
Review and reflect with RACP MyCPD: A few things to keep in mind
Do you know how to reflect on your CPD activities when adding an activity in your RACP MyCPD record? It’s easy — and if you’re selected for a CPD audit, reflections are automatically approved if the evidence for the activity is deemed acceptable (see examples of acceptable evidence for Category 2).
When the time comes to complete your RACP MyCPD record and add your Category 2 reflective practice, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Structured reflections
Structured reflections are now timed and can be claimed in 15-minute increments up to 90 minutes.
- To find out how to add a structured reflection activity, see the guide under ‘Reflections’ (#10): MyCPD Handbook: Adding an activity
- When adding a reflection, click ‘Yes’ and respond to the 7 questions. If a question doesn't apply, write ‘not applicable’. The help icon provides prompts to assist you.
Teaching and supervising contribute to your CPD
Did you undertake any teaching or supervising during the CPD year? Supervisor self-reflection is an acceptable Category 2 activity. Use the supervisor self-reflection tool.
Some additional practices for your reflective practice
We're often asked how CPD participants can undertake their Category 2 reflective practice. While CPD is self-directed and we cannot provide specific advice, here are some ideas to get you started.
Auditing patient profiles to identify cultural demographics
This activity is a valuable opportunity to engage in reflective practice while improving understanding of cultural safety.
Take your reflective practice and cultural safety understanding further
If you’ve completed the audit activity above, read the RACP Indigenous Child Health Statement and, together with other learning, develop a long-term plan for improving cultural safety within your practice or organisation.
I’ve done my reflective practice, but not sure where to record the hours
This is a common question. If you’re not sure where your activity fits — or if it crosses more than one category — refer to our guide for choosing relevant and valuable CPD activities for direction.
When finalising your CPD record, double check that you have no outstanding requirements — and don’t forget to click the ‘submit’ button.
Need additional support?
If you're unsure about your CPD requirements or reflective practice, our CPD Team can help.
Book a call