CPD Training Courses for Osteopaths

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for osteopaths in the UK are set by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The GOsC is the regulatory body for osteopathy in the UK, and it mandates CPD to ensure that osteopaths maintain and enhance their skills, knowledge, and competence throughout their careers.

Key aspects of the CPD requirements for osteopaths include:

• CPD Hours: Osteopaths are required to complete 90 hours of CPD in total (including at least 45 hours learning with others) over three years. The three underpinning themes of the CPD scheme are engagement, support and community. Most importantly, the CPD scheme aims to address professional isolation by fostering a culture of peer support and creating collaborative learning environments. The scheme also promotes engaging with fellow osteopaths in a supportive way by building a CPD community.
• Record-Keeping: Osteopaths are expected to keep accurate records of their CPD activities. This includes documentation of the type of CPD activity, the number of hours spent, and a reflection on how the activity has influenced their practice.
• Professional Development Planning: Osteopaths are encouraged to develop a Professional Development Plan (PDP). A PDP outlines an osteopath's learning needs, objectives, and plans for CPD activities, serving as a guide for their ongoing professional development.
• Verification of CPD: Osteopaths are required to provide evidence of their CPD activities during regulatory checks or audits by the GOsC. This may involve submitting records and documentation of completed CPD.

It's important for osteopaths to stay informed about the specific CPD requirements set by the GOsC, as these requirements may be subject to updates or changes. Osteopaths should regularly review the GOsC's guidance on CPD, seek support and guidance from professional associations, and actively participate in a variety of CPD activities to meet the regulatory standards.

For further information, please visit the GOsC website.

CPD offers numerous advantages for osteopaths, contributing to their ongoing learning, professional growth, and the delivery of high-quality patient care. Here are key advantages of CPD for osteopaths:

• Enhanced Clinical Competence: Engaging in CPD activities helps osteopaths stay abreast of the latest developments in osteopathic practice, including new techniques, research findings, and evidence-based interventions. This contributes to enhanced clinical competence.
• Improved Patient Outcomes: CPD enables osteopaths to apply the latest knowledge and skills in their practice, leading to improved patient outcomes and increased satisfaction among those receiving osteopathic care.
• Adaptation to Changing Practices: Healthcare practices and guidelines may evolve, and CPD ensures that osteopaths can adapt to changes in protocols, technology, and emerging trends in healthcare.
• Increased Confidence: Regular participation in CPD activities contributes to osteopaths' confidence in their abilities, reinforcing their role as knowledgeable and skilled healthcare professionals.
• Career Advancement: CPD can open doors to career advancement opportunities, such as specialisation in a particular area of osteopathy, leadership roles, or involvement in research and education.
• Promotion of Reflective Practice: CPD encourages osteopaths to engage in reflective practice, allowing them to critically analyse their experiences, identify areas for improvement, and continuously refine their practice.
• Staying Informed about Research: CPD activities may include staying informed about the latest research in osteopathy and related fields. This knowledge contributes to evidence-based practice and informed decision-making.
• Enhanced Communication Skills: CPD often includes components focused on communication and interpersonal skills. Improved communication skills contribute to effective interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare team.
• Increased Job Satisfaction: CPD allows osteopaths to engage in continuous learning and professional development, leading to increased job satisfaction and a sense of personal fulfilment.
• Personal and Professional Development: CPD provides opportunities for osteopaths to enhance both their personal and professional development, fostering a sense of accomplishment and growth.
• Enhanced Leadership Skills: CPD activities that focus on leadership development contribute to osteopaths' ability to take on leadership roles within healthcare organisations.

In summary, CPD is integral to the ongoing development of osteopaths, ensuring that they provide the highest standard of care and stay informed about the latest developments in osteopathic practice. The advantages of CPD extend beyond individual growth to positively impact patient care, professional standing, and the overall advancement of the osteopathy profession.

CPD for osteopaths in the UK encompasses a diverse range of activities that contribute to their ongoing learning, skill development, and professional growth. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) sets guidelines for CPD to ensure that osteopaths stay current with best practices and maintain competence in their field.

While specific activities may vary, here are examples of what may count as CPD for osteopaths in the UK:

• Formal Education and Training: Attending courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars relevant to osteopathic practice, including updates on techniques, research, and clinical guidelines.
• Clinical Practice: Engaging in clinical practice and applying new or refined techniques to enhance patient care. Participating in clinical audits to assess and improve the quality of osteopathic care.
• Reflective Practice: Engaging in reflective practice, which involves critically evaluating one's own experiences, decisions, and patient interactions to identify areas for improvement.
• Research and Publications: Conducting or contributing to research projects in osteopathy. Staying informed about the latest research findings and evidence-based practices in osteopathy.
• Teaching and Supervision: Providing formal teaching to osteopathic students or colleagues. Acting as a clinical supervisor or mentor for osteopathic trainees.
• Skills Development: Undertaking additional training to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Participating in workshops or courses focused on specialised techniques or areas of practice.
• Attendance at Conferences and Seminars: Attending conferences, seminars, and events related to osteopathy, healthcare, and relevant fields.
• E-Learning and Online Courses: Completing online courses and e-learning modules addressing topics relevant to osteopathic practice.
• Patient Feedback: Seeking and reflecting on patient feedback as part of the CPD process, demonstrating an awareness of patient perspectives and experiences.
• Quality Improvement Projects: Participating in quality improvement initiatives within the healthcare setting to enhance service delivery.
• Health Promotion Initiatives: Engaging in activities that contribute to health promotion and public health initiatives.
• Professional Writing: Contributing articles, blogs, or other written materials related to osteopathy for publication or dissemination.
• Business and Management Skills: Undertaking training or courses in business and management skills relevant to running a successful osteopathic practice.
• Networking and Peer Collaboration: Participating in professional networks, discussion forums, and collaborative initiatives with peers to share experiences and insights.

It's important for osteopaths to maintain accurate records of their CPD activities, including details such as the type of activity, duration, and reflection on its impact on practice. The GOsC may conduct audits to verify compliance with CPD requirements, so keeping organised records is essential. Osteopaths may also seek guidance from their professional associations, employers, and educational institutions to ensure that their CPD activities align with regulatory standards. Additionally, they should regularly review the GOsC's guidelines on CPD to stay informed about any updates or changes.

When osteopaths fail to meet their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, it can have consequences for their professional standing, registration, and compliance with regulatory standards set by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in the UK.

Here are potential consequences when osteopaths fail to meet their CPD requirements:

• Non-Compliance with Registration Requirements: Failure to meet CPD requirements may lead to non-compliance with the registration standards set by the GOsC. Professional registration is typically contingent on fulfilling CPD obligations.
• Regulatory Investigation: The GOsC may initiate an investigation if an osteopath is found to be non-compliant with CPD requirements. This investigation may assess the reasons for non-compliance and determine the impact on the osteopath's ability to practice safely and effectively.
• Fitness to Practice Concerns: Persistent non-compliance with CPD requirements may raise concerns about an osteopath's fitness to practice. This could result in a Fitness to Practice (FtP) investigation by the GOsC.
• Conditions on Practice: If an osteopath is found non-compliant with CPD requirements, the GOsC may impose conditions on their practice. These conditions are designed to address concerns and facilitate the osteopath's return to compliance.
• Referral to the Professional Conduct Committee: Serious or repeated non-compliance with CPD requirements may result in a referral to the GOsC's Professional Conduct Committee. This committee has the authority to consider cases where an osteopath's conduct or competence is in question.
• Warnings or Sanctions: The GOsC may issue warnings or sanctions if it determines that an osteopath has failed to meet CPD requirements or has not adhered to the professional standards outlined by the regulatory body.
• Removal from the Register: In extreme cases or for serious breaches of professional standards, continued non-compliance with CPD requirements may lead to removal from the GOsC's professional register. Removal means the individual is no longer authorised to practice as an osteopath.

It's crucial for osteopaths to prioritise CPD and fulfil the requirements set by the GOsC to maintain their professional registration and uphold the standards of osteopathic practice. Osteopaths should regularly review the GOsC's guidance on CPD, keep accurate records of their CPD activities, and seek support and guidance from professional associations, employers, and educational institutions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Proactive engagement in a variety of CPD activities aligning with the GOsC's guidelines is essential for ongoing professional development and regulatory compliance.