CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) OF DOCTORS

Continuous Professional Development (hereinafter – CPD) is a continuous process of learning and improvement of professional competencies by healthcare professionals, enabling them to maintain or enhance the level of their professional activity in accordance with the needs of the healthcare sector.

CPD for Specialists Is Implemented Through:

• Training in thematic improvement cycles (TI).
• Professional internships.
• Participation in CPD activities registered in the electronic system of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and eligible for CPD credit points.
• Master Class – presentation and demonstration of specific methods, diagnostic and treatment technologies aimed at improving professional qualifications, sharing best practices, broadening participants’ outlook, and engaging them in the latest areas of medical science.
• Simulation Training / Practical Skills Workshop – acquisition by each participant of certain clinical and/or practical skills and competencies (ability to apply a procedure, manipulation, or technique in individual medical practice) in an artificially created environment that closely imitates real professional conditions, ensuring maximum safety for patients and healthcare workers. During such training, the direct practical or simulated skills practice involves a teacher-to-participant ratio of 1:4–6.
• Training Course – acquisition of new professional knowledge and skills by participants in specific areas of the specialty or on current issues of healthcare service organization. Conducted in groups of up to 20 participants, the training lasts one or more days.
• Seminar – acquisition of new theoretical knowledge by participants in specific areas of the specialty or current issues in healthcare organization, with opportunities for discussion in small groups. The content focuses on theoretical aspects and does not involve skills training.
• Professional (Thematic) School – training on relevant topics within a specific specialty combining lectures for large groups (theoretical part) and seminars/practical classes in small groups (up to 10–12 participants per instructor) lasting one or more days.
• Scientific and/or Scientific-Practical Conference (including congresses, conventions, symposia) – a form of scientific activity involving assemblies or meetings of medical and scientific professionals (at least at the regional level) to present research findings, analyze existing medical practices, summarize and disseminate best practices, and develop theoretical and methodological conditions for their implementation.

Continuous professional development through non-formal education can also be conducted remotely, using electronic learning resources.

On January 1, 2022, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 725 of July 14, 2021, “On Approval of the Regulation on the System of Continuous Professional Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Workers” (hereinafter – Regulation on the CPD System) came into force.

According to this Resolution, changes were introduced to the organization and conduct of CPD events as well as to the allocation of credit points for participation in such activities.

The new CPD System requires all providers of CPD activities (for which credit points are awarded) to obtain a registration number and enter information about their CPD events (scientific-practical conferences, professional schools, master classes, simulation trainings, etc.) into the official register. Registration must be completed no later than 20 working days before the start of the event.

The CPD System is designed to store information about providers, CPD activities, and CPD credit points earned.

The owner of the CPD System and all data entered into it is the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

The administrator of the CPD System is the State Organization “Testing Center”.