Mandatory Continuing Professional Education – Development and Extension

Abstract

This chapter examines MCPE’s development from 1985 to 2010. This discussion reveals how the individual associations addressed problems and made their MCPE more effective and efficient. It was individual professional associations managing and making policy for the MCPE of their members. This was not the work of cross-professional committees. References are made to 18 different associations in the discussion.

Examining MCPE’s development across the professions is structured under seven headings. The order of presenting these headings roughly reflects the chronological order in which they were problems or new initiatives from the associations. The headings are: assessing participation; evidence of participation; the audit of the process; enforcing the penalties; the assessment cycle; What is acceptable for MCPE?; and From diary page to log book. Material noted in this discussion was gained through my work with and for the professional associations, e.g. in the audit, my national surveys, in projects and consultancies or my visits to their headquarters.

Next the associations’ managing of MCPE and their use made of MCPE are discussed, e.g. in relation to specialisations and special designations. The former are covered in this Chapter and the latter in Chap. 6. The associations’ initiatives in these activities are an indication of their appreciation of their MCPE-based policies. Next the question of delayed adoption and acceptance of MCPE is noted. Finally, MCPE’s policy and program, noted in Chap. 4 and this chapter, is summarised and conclusions offered.

Chapters 4 and 5 illustrate the associations’ tremendous contribution made through their brand of professional education, MCPE.