Professional Development Plan (PDP)

Professional Competence

Information on our Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) and Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme (CPD-SS) for NCHDs in Non-Training Posts.

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Professional Development Plan (PDP)

“Each doctor has to develop a plan for maintenance of professional competence. Developing and putting the plan in place, based on assessed needs, is a critical step in the maintenance of professional competence process. The plan will be informed by the doctor’s assessment of his or her needs for maintenance of professional competence in relation to: the needs of the patients cared for by the doctor; the doctor’s practice; the health system. The plan will reflect current needs as well as aiming to anticipate future developments.” – from the Medical Council’s Professional Competence: Guidelines for Doctors

Please read these documents and then begin work on your own PDP.
1. PDP Guidance Document
2. PDP Sample – an example PDP
3. PDP Template – for you to complete

Launch of PDP Template and guidance:

We are pleased to make a PDP template available as a tool to help you (1) assess your professional competence needs; (2) set out how you plan to meet those needs during the PCS year or coming years; (3) review your plan at the end of the PCS year.

Internal CPD Credits for PDP:

You can claim 1 Internal CPD credit for completing a PDP document; and 1 Internal CPD credit should you choose to have it reviewed by your Peer Group, or an individual peer. The individual reviewer can claim 1 Internal CPD credit for his/her review and discussion with you.

A PDP is your document:

We hope this PDP template is a useful planning tool for you, in addition to the online CPD Diary you already use. Developing a PDP is not obligatory, but it is recommended. A PDP is your document, which you should keep with your professional competence records. You do not need to provide it to us (unless you are selected by us for a Verification Process, and your PDP forms evidence for Internal CPD credits claimed.)

Please read these documents and then begin work on your own PDP.
1. PDP Guidance Document
2. PDP Sample – an example PDP
3. PDP Template – for you to complete

Please contact the College’s PCS department for any queries or advice about your PDP. Email pcs@irishpsychiatry.ie or call the PCS office on (01) 634 4378 / 4375.