Aussie rheums find it hard to complete their CPD requirements. Find out what the ARA is doing to help members.
Rheumatologists face new CPD requirements this year, but the ARA plans to make the whole process easier.
Half of the roughly 200 ARA members surveyed last year said they found it hard to meet the category 2 and 3 CPD demands.
“One of the main difficulties with completing the category 2 activities can be finding a peer or colleague with whom the rheumatologist feels comfortable and confident enough to engage in an open, reflective discussion,” said Dr Claire Barrett, the immediate past president of the ARA.
“These conversations require honest feedback on clinical and professional practice, which can be difficult for those who may not have an established relationship with a suitable peer.
Dr Barrett also agreed that the category 3 activities, such as audits of clinical standards or health outcome assessments, could be time-consuming.
“These tasks involve thorough data collection, analysis and reflection, which can be daunting, particularly when balancing clinical workload with the need for professional development and potentially even harder for those without electronic medical records.
“Furthermore, ensuring that the health outcomes measured are relevant to a rheumatologist-specific practice is critical for meaningful development,” she said.
This could result in a compliance-driven, “tick-box exercise” rather than a truly beneficial reflection on practice, Dr Barrett said.
The ARA member survey showed standardised audit pro formas were the preferred method of completing CPD-related activities (76% of respondents), ahead of guides to extract data from practice software (47%) and passive auditing of clinical data (44%).
To address these issues, the ARA Board established the Continuing Professional Development Working Group, comprised of Dr Barrett, fellow rheumatologists Dr Richard Kwiatek and Dr Lisa Carroll and ARA project officer Jing Ye.
The aim was to help members fulfil their CPD requirements more efficiently and effectively, with a specific focus on peer review groups, clinic letter audits and upcoming changes to the MyCPD framework in 2025.
“Peer Review Groups have been identified as one of the most effective ways to earn Category 2 CPD points,” the ARA report read.
“A recommended model involves small groups of 4-6 members meeting monthly for two hours. Each participant presents a case at these sessions, and a designated note-taker ensures proper documentation for MyCPD portal uploads.”
“[And] clinic letter audits are a productive yet often underutilised method to earn Category 3 CPD points. The process involves exchanging and reviewing 10-15 consultation letters with a colleague, focusing on clarity, communication quality and other key factors.”
Four new requirements have been added to this year’s MyCPD framework; two activities relating to ethics and professional behaviour, and two focused on cultural safety and addressing health inequities.
“For those FRACP who work in the public sector, these requirements may well be covered by the ‘mandatories’ we all have to complete as part of those roles,” Dr Barrett said.
“But for those without public appointments they may prove more challenging. And of course, whether in public or private one still must find the time to complete the activities within already busy lives.”
This was echoed by three in four survey respondents, who said they wanted more CPD tools that were relevant to private practice.
Related
The CPD working group was originally slated to run until mid 2025, when the group’s responsibilities would be transferred to the ARA’s Education, Training and Workforce Committee, currently chaired by NSW-based rheumatologist Dr Louise Ward.
But Dr Barrett indicated the CPD working group would discuss with the ARA Board and the CEO whether the timeframe for the transition could be extended, as the resources produced thus far had been “very positive”.
“Several members have joined existing peer review groups, and at least one new group has been formed,” she said.
“We also have a few other members who have expressed interest in joining a group, and are working on finding one for them.
“However, even with this support, the challenge of establishing a safe and constructive feedback relationship remains.
“And although we are yet to formally collate feedback from the membership about the letter audit tool, the individuals who trialled it found it very helpful, both to complete their CPD requirements and to improve the quality of their correspondence.”
“We feel confident our small group can continue to provide support for members in this area,” she said.
The full Annual Achievement Report for 2024 is freely available for download via the ARA website.
