Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2013.041

Continuing professional development crediting system for specialists in laboratory medicine within 28 EFLM national societies

Elizabeta Topic ; Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Croatia; Chair of the EFLM Committee of Education and Training
Andjelo Beletic ; Center for Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia; EFLM Working Group: Congresses and Postgraduate Education, Young Scientist Member
Tomas Zima ; The First Medical Faculty, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic; EFLM Executive Board, Member-at-Large

Abstract

Introduction: Continuing professional development (CPD) with corresponding crediting system is recognized as essential for the laboratory medicine specialists to provide optimal service for the patients. Article presents results of the survey evaluating current CPD crediting practice among members of European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM).
Materials and methods: A questionnaire had been forwarded to presidents/national representatives of all EFLM members, with invitation to provide information about CPD programmes and crediting policies, as well as feedback on individual CPD categories, through scoring their relevance.
Results: Complete or partial answers were received from 28 of 38 members. In 23 countries, CPD programmes exist and earn credits, with 19 of them offering access to non-medical scientists. CPD activities are evaluated in all participating countries, regardless to the existence of an official CPD programme. Among participating members with mandatory specialists’ licensing (22/28), CPD is a prerequisite for relicensing in 13 countries. Main categories recognized as CPD are: continuing education (24 countries), article/book (17/14 countries) authorship and distance learning (14 countries). The highest median score of relevance (20) is allocated to professional training, editor/authorship and official activities in professional organizations, with the first category showing the least variation among scores.
Conclusions: Majority of EFLM members have developed CPD programmes, regularly evaluated and accompanied by crediting systems. Programmes differ in accessibility for non-medical scientists and impact on relicensing eligibility. Continuing education, authorship and e-learning are mainly recognized as CPD activities, although the professional training is appreciated as the most important individual CPD category.

Keywords

continuing medical education; professional education; professional competence; laboratory medicine

Hrčak ID:

109258

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/109258

Publication date:

15.10.2013.

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