The Physiotherapy Board of Australia released a poster detailing the steps physiotherapists need to take to be ready for a CPD audit.

The initiative stressed the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) by reminding physiotherapists about meeting their obligations, specifically CPD requirements, for annual registration.

The Board urges practitioners to be audit-ready and has outlined the following steps:

• Plan – Consider your role and the services you provide, and identify relevant CPD opportunities.
• Do – Participate in a range of activities directly related to your physiotherapy practice. Choose suitable activities that address your CPD needs.
• Record – Keep a record and evidence of your CPD activities in your CPD portfolio, for example reflections, certificates and receipts. Remember to store your CPD records safely for five years.
• Reflect – Consider how the activity has enhanced your practice. Reflect on what you have learned in your CPD portfolio.
• Practise – The Board requires you to have completed the minimum CPD requirement of 20 hours each year

Victorian based physiotherapist and Physio Phebe owner, Phebe Liston said:

“I think that CPD is a pivotal part of not only our professional knowledge base as physios, but also our confidence in ensuring we are providing patients with the most up to date revidence based treatment approaches. I think that most physio’s enjoy doing a course or two a year anyway, however having the mandatory 20 hours does motivate me to be on top of it.”

Physiotherapy Board of Australia Chair Charles Flynn said, “CPD is essential to providing safe care and helping contribute to improving the health of all Australians. All physiotherapists should familiarise themselves with the CPD standard and guidelines and use them to move through the stages of CPD to help plan, do, record, reflect on and guide their practice.”

“We urge all physiotherapists to access the resources published by the Board on its website, especially in terms of breaking down CPD into easier to manage stages. Evidence of completing CPD activities will be checked during audit. It’s vital for physiotherapists to meet their obligations so they can stay registered and help keep patients safer by keeping their professional development up to date,’ he stressed.

For more information, read the Physiotherapy Continuing Professional Development Registration Standard and Guide.

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