WCPT guideline for delivering quality continuing professional development for physical therapists

Continuing professional development (CPD) describes the systematic, ongoing structured process of learning that underpins professional practice. CPD enables physical therapists who have completed an entry level programme to maintain, develop and enhance their personal and professional skills, knowledge and behaviours, and ongoing competence to practise. This, in turn, advances practice, service delivery and ultimately outcomes for patients/clients. All physical therapists should participate in learning activities that maintain or increase their professional competence.  This guideline has been developed for the use of WCPT member organisations intent on supporting physical therapists in their endeavours to maintain the currency of their professional education.

This guideline is part of a package of resources designed to support physical therapy professional organisations in their efforts to implement the WCPT policy statement: Education, specifically in relation to post qualifying education and lifelong learning.

Other policies and guidelines intended to assist in the delivery of education policy include:

• Policy statement: Education
• WCPT guideline for a standard evaluation process for accreditation/recognition of physical therapist professional entry-level education programmes
• WCPT guideline for physical therapist professional entry level education
• WCPT guideline for qualifications of faculty for physical therapist professional entry level programmes
• WCPT guideline for the clinical education component of the physical therapist professional entry level programme