Continued professional development (CPD) is a method used to ensure that Occupational Therapists are continuously expanding on their knowledge and skills to maintain a safe and ethical practice within their profession. In this blog we discuss the reasons why CPD is so important in Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy CPD requirements, as well as examples of activities which count towards an individual’s portfolio.
So, what is the importance of CPD in Occupational Therapy? CPD is vitally important in Occupational Therapy as it is a strict requirement of an individual’s membership of the industry’s governing body, The Health and Care Professions Council. What’s more, CPD allows an individual the time and space to continually learn and develop essential skills.
Read on to learn more about the importance of CPD in Occupational Therapy.
Why is CPD Important in Occupational Therapy?
In order to practice and be recognised as a professional Occupational Therapist, individuals must be registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), where 30 hours of CPD per year must be demonstrated.
Keeping an up-to-date portfolio of completed CPD activities for Occupational Therapists is important as The Health and Care Professions Council reserves the right to randomly audit members, ensuring that they adhere to their policies. Without a completed Occupational Therapy CPD folder, they have the right to refuse the renewal of a member’s registration. As such, a member would no longer be recognised or able to practice as a certified Occupational Therapist.
However, there is more to CPD than membership of professional bodies; CPD provides a number of both personal and professional benefits.
Benefits of CPD for Occupational Therapists
CPD offers a number of benefits to those that either choose to, or must complete it. For Occupational Therapists, CPD ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, changes to regulations, and allows them to develop their knowledge and skills, all of which allow them to treat their patients in the safest and most efficient methods possible.
What’s more, CPD creates the opportunity for career progression, whether that is within an institution or by gaining new clients. CPD allows an individual to advance their knowledge and skills base which, in turn, increases their value as an Occupational Therapist.
- Stay up-to-day with industry news and regulations
- Develop knowledge, skills, and techniques
- Inspiration and motivation to learn new skills
- Enhance results for patients
- Network with other professionals
- Increased role and salary opportunities, or attract new clients with advanced skills
What Should be in an Occupational Therapy CPD Folder?
All Occupational Therapists should complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD activities per year, recorded in a portfolio. A CPD portfolio for an Occupational Therapist should contain the following:
- Practice history summary - description of current role
- Your statement - description of how CPD activities meet the standards
- What the activity was
- What was learnt
- How the activity improved quality of work and benefited patients
- List of activities - dated list of completed CPD activities
- Supporting evidence - evidence of the listed activities
Some professional bodies are moving their CPD portfolios online to make the process of recording training easier. However, HCPC provides a range of information about their CPD requirements should members be unsure. They also provide sample CPD portfolios for members to gain a better understanding of what is required.
Examples of CPD Activities for Occupational Therapists
There are a wide range of possible CPD activities for Occupational Therapists, and not all need to be in a formal learning setting, such as a course. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Work based activities such as peer reviews, supervising staff on treatment sessions, and work shadowing
- Professional activities including lecturing, presenting at industry conferences or mentoring
- Formal and educational activities involving writing articles, studying relevant accredited courses, and even running a course
- Self-directed activities such as reviewing articles, researching, and keeping a file of your progress
CPD For Occupational Therapists at Breeze Academy
Breeze Academy is one of the UK’s leading CPD providers for healthcare professionals, including Occupational Therapists. We offer quality CPD courses in a variety of areas, including acupuncture and dry needling, yoga teacher training, and sports massage therapy, all of which will contribute to professional development, and enhance practice offerings.
Learn more about our range of CPD courses online today, or get in touch for more information.