Professional Development and Continuing Professional Development of Physicians
Continuing Professional Development (hereinafter referred to as CPD) of healthcare professionals is an ongoing process of learning and improving professional competencies following the completion of higher education in healthcare and postgraduate internship training. It enables professionals to maintain or improve the standards of their professional practice in line with the needs of the healthcare sector. CPD is mandatory and continues throughout a professional's entire career.
Continuing Professional Development includes participation in formal, non-formal and informal education in the field of healthcare:
Formal education – education provided through educational programmes in accordance with the levels of education, fields of study and specialities (professions) established by law. It involves students achieving the learning outcomes defined by the relevant educational standards and obtaining qualifications recognised by the state. This includes internship training, medical residency and specialist training programmes.
Non-formal education – activities aimed at improving one's knowledge and skills through educational programmes that do not lead to the award of state-recognised educational qualifications at a particular level of education, but may result in the award of professional qualifications and/or partial educational qualifications. These activities include training on thematic improvement programmes, internship courses and medical placements at healthcare institutions other than the professional's regular place of employment.
Informal education (self-education) – the self-directed acquisition of professional competencies by healthcare professionals through everyday activities related to their professional, civic or other pursuits. This includes participation in thematic (professional) schools, seminars, scientific and practical conferences, congresses, symposia and conventions; simulation-based training; masterclasses; practical skills training; and distance learning, including the use of electronic learning resources.
