How to describe CPD?
Continuing Professional Development(CPD) describes the process of systematic maintenance, development, and enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities to improve workplace performance. Nowadays, there is a high demand for CPD across all the professions. CPD improves confidence and capabilities to make anything possible. Personality development qualities are a must for the execution of any professional and technical duties throughout their professional life. This topic is something that is not included in the Physiotherapy curriculum in your bachelor's or master's degree but this is so helpful for your clinical practice to enhance your skills and to get a functional output on the patient.
There are some CPD points to measure and track physiotherapists’ qualifications and ongoing development in their clinical practice. Generally, One CPD point is equal to the active learning of one hour. Physiotherapists can earn CPD points by involving in various activities like attending workshops, seminars, conferences, webinars, and learning online courses.
Why CPD is important?
The patients have an equal right they could expect the Physiotherapist from whom they are taking the treatment decently provide all the services. So, All Physiotherapists must attempt to update their knowledge and skills, by doing this they can improve their capabilities which results in better outcomes for the patients. CPD is important in the continued profession to deliver a safe, legal, and effective service by the Physiotherapists. All Physiotherapists need to do CPD courses, but before doing any course always check the instructor’s profile and credentials: authenticity of the academy or institute, work experience. Invest your time and money in gaining knowledge from the right Instructor not just only for the certification. Nowadays many people are conducting workshops, seminars, and conferences of their own choice and call themselves instructors.
There are several steps of CPD:-
Identification identifies your skills and knowledge, your strengths and weaknesses, CPD is just not only about the quantity of learning but also about the quality of what you learn and implement or apply those skills and knowledge to the patients.
Planning- Once you identify your weaknesses and strengths on which you need to work, set a goal to achieve the target by staying focused and participating in formal and informal activities like Side-by-side learning and training courses.
Action- Organize a schedule and always engage yourself in formal and informal activities such as Webinars, seminars, Workshops, and Conferences. You need to act in these activities and try to learn every new technique which will enhance your knowledge and skills.
Recording- Keep the records and notes of the training sessions and courses you have learned and attended.
Reflection- After completion of CPD training, so many questions will reflect in your mind like When and How can I apply these techniques to the patients? Is it really helpful? How much knowledge I have gained throughout the sessions?
Evaluation evaluate and assess the effectiveness of what you have learned to enhance your skills, positive behavior, performance, and knowledge.
Application- By the application of these skills and expertise you have learned through the online and hands-on courses which gives you good results on your patients, helps you stand out from other therapists gives you better growth in your career, and enhances your reputation and capabilities.
Benefits of CPD for Physiotherapist’s Growth
Good communication skills with the patients to make them fully satisfied with proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Helps in improving clinical skills and competence.
Helps in making good decisions for the betterment and growth of the Clinic or organization
Keep you up-to-date about the recent research, techniques, tools, and advanced modalities
Helps in keeping your career dynamic and unstoppable
By upgrading yourself with the new skills and treatment techniques you will be able to treat any challenging case, and it will help you build your confidence at another level.
Good career opportunities -If you have learned these techniques through a course then you can apply these advanced techniques according to your patient’s condition and get better recovery in a shorter time and you will be able to grow in your career and get remarkable salaries, incentives, and promotions.
Building up your Confidence you want to grow in your profession you need to work on yourself first, as you know your personality (not good looks but your good posture and grooming) shows everything the way you talk, the way you present yourself in front of the patient have a good impact on the patient. You must explain everything to your patient, including what new techniques you are going to work on for a quick recovery. Physiotherapists must be sincere and dedicated towards their profession if they want to add further growth, Keep yourself presentable and confident in front of your patients, and understanding the psychology of your patient is very important.
Helps in Work-based learning professional activities such as giving a presentation at a conference, and conducting workshops and seminars.
Conclusion
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for every physiotherapist aiming for professional growth, enhanced skills, and improved patient outcomes. By identifying areas of improvement, setting goals, and actively participating in learning activities, physiotherapists can stay updated, confident, and successful in their careers. Embrace CPD to deliver effective treatments and stand out as a trusted professional in the field.
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