CPD diary
CPD requirements and the impact of COVID-19 for Physicians (2020/2021)
*Please note the CPD year runs 1 April to 31 March
The following is an update summary. Full guidance can be found below.
Livestreamed events, archived events and e-learning options
Alongside the providers of CPD, we have adapted to the circumstances of the pandemic and the loss of live events. There has been a rapid expansion in approval of livestreamed CPD and where these events have also been made available ‘on demand’, we have automatically approved archived access for 4 weeks after the event. There is also an option for providers to seek approval for on-demand access beyond the 4-week period and you can find more about our newly approved e-libraries and e-platforms here.
Changes to external and personal credits
We have acted to reduce the complexity of the rules governing CPD credits and we are in the process of making changes to the CPD Diary to reflect this. Unlimited external credits can be gained from live events, live-streamed events, e-learning, courses and approved archived events.
We are working to remove the cap of 10 approved distance learning credits. Self-certified distance learning can now be added as external via the ‘Distance Learning’ tab under ‘Add Self-Certified Entry’. On the Physicians’ CPD app, ‘Self-Certified Distance Learning’ is present as an option of ‘Class’ when you add a self-certified entry.
We will also be extending the cap on personal credits per CPD diary year on the system from 10 up to 20 credits. However, a maximum of 10 personal credits should be claimed for examining activities.
CPD approval
For CPD event or activity providers
Postponing Policy
If you plan on postponing an event, we are happy to update the event application with a new date at no additional cost providing that there is no major change to the content and that there is no commercial influence on the content/structure of the meeting. If there are more than minor changes to the programme and your application has already been approved, please notify us and upload a revised version of the programme so that the CPD team can review it. We accept format changes should the live event be made a live streamed event or webinar.
Live Streamed Lecture and Webinar Programmes
Given feedback from providers, we have now adapted the fee structure for programmes of live-streamed lectures and webinars taking place on different dates. Provided that events in the programme are no longer than two hours and the total programme is no longer than six hours then we can charge the equivalent of a one day fee. View further guidance here.
Archived Webinar Approval
As you're likely aware, during the pandemic we have agreed to include approval for archived access to the recorded version of a live-streamed event or webinar for up to four weeks after the event. We are launching an additional service to extend approval of the archived version for up to a year after the event. You can find out more information on the application form here.
Approval of e-libraries and e-platforms
We've recently introduced approval for e-platforms and e-libraries provided by established organisations with a track record of excellence in medical education. The guidelines and application form can be found here.