New CPD System: January 2012
A new system of CPD is currently being developed. This new CPD system is not based on a traditional CPD points system or accumulation of contact hours. Instead all Radiographers / Radiation Therapists will be encouraged to adopt a more reflective approach to learning and to identify their own learning and development needs based on the skills and competencies required for their particular professional practice. The intention is that a Radiographers / Radiation Therapist’s development should encompass a balanced range of activities carried out across the learning spectrum over a period of time, such as five years. Radiographers / Radiation Therapists will be encouraged and facilitated to participate in a range of learning activities which meet their individual needs, enabling them to retain their capacity to practise safely, effectively and legally within their evolving career and scope of practice.
To enable Radiographers / Radiation Therapists to record, evaluate and demonstrate their professional development, a ‘CPD portfolio’ is currently being developed. This portfolio will function as a structured template for Radiographers / Radiation Therapists to help them assess their learning needs and track the fulfillment of their individual outcomes-based learning plan. The CPD portfolio can also be used by members as a guide to evaluate and reflect on their learning activities and to document their professional development.
The new CPD system will be flexible, enabling members to demonstrate their professional development in a style that best suits their requirements. It will also take into account the many types of learning in which Radiographers / Radiation Therapists can engage in order to progress their professional development. These range from ‘Informal Learning’ (interactive, practical, ‘on-the-job’ learning from experience that traditionally does not lead to certification but is important for the professional role or for the benefit of particular patients within a practice setting); through to participation in ‘Formal Learning’ (structured learning courses which lead to formal recognition of learning outcomes delivered by education providers or training institutions). The system will accommodate all learning activities necessary for a Radiographer’s / Radiation Therapist’s career development as well as those necessary to address the health care needs of local communities and the contribution of pharmacists to national, integrated health services
April 2011: The IIRRT are glad to announce the appointment of a CPD officer, Margaret Mulligan on a part time basis from April 2011. For further details login to the members section. Margaret can be contacted on 0871759040 and margaretcpd@eircom.net and is available to help with any queries or assistance Radiographers / Radiation Therapists have on any aspect of CPD.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is the means by which Diagnostic Radiographers and Radiation Therapists maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skills and develop the personal qualities required in their professional lives.
Every Diagnostic Radiographer and Radiation Therapist must adapt to the rapidly changing environment within which they work. The advancement of technology, new practices, legislative changes and increased accountability necessitates continuous learning. It is incumbent on all Diagnostic Radiographers and Radiation Therapists to make every effort to keep professional knowledge up to date, in order to maintain and develop professional competence.
The IIRRT expects that it will be a future requirement of the Health and Social Care Professions Council (HSCPC) for Diagnostic Radiographers and Radiation Therapists to demonstrate CPD as a condition of state registration. The IIRRT will work to ensure that the IIRRT model of CPD will be capable of integration with any system of monitoring CPD activity that the HSCPC might require.
The IIRRT also considers it essential that employers should support Diagnostic Radiographers and Radiation Therapists in the achievement of CPD. Employers should have learning and development strategies in place and if possible, provide employees with an opportunity to discuss their professional development plan (PDP) and the achievement of PDP objectives.
The Members section of the website has additional CPD related information for members including the IIRRT CPD system and downloadable booklet, upcoming courses and online educational material, reflective practice and creating a portfolio!