CPD Training Courses for Chiropractors

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for chiropractors in the United Kingdom are overseen by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). The GCC is the regulatory body for chiropractors in the UK, and it sets standards for CPD to ensure that chiropractors maintain and enhance their professional competence.

Here is a general overview of the CPD requirements for chiropractors in the UK:

• Annual CPD Hours: Chiropractors in the UK are required to complete 30 hours of CPD activity, of which 15 hours or more are to constitute learning with others. Learning with others can include both formal learning, such as seminars and lectures, as well as informal learning, which includes clinical audit and can be conducted either in person or remotely. To qualify as learning with others it must include the ability for direct and immediate interaction with either a presenter/organiser or others present.
• Focussed CPD: As part of the GCC’s commitment to CPD, it has introduced a new focussed element to the CPD programme. Focussed CPD allows the GCC to have all registrants examine, self-reflect and evaluate their skills and abilities on a specific topic, for example, first aid and communications. This element of the CPD programme will be subject to change for each CPD year, and as of 2022/2023 the focus is on consent relating to Principle E of The Code, which requires chiropractors to obtain informed consent for all aspects of patient care.
• New Registrants: The GCC requires new registrants to include a focus on clinical governance within their CPD, which must be completed within one year of registration. The introduction of this additional focussed CPD will help to support the GCC's aims of developing professionalism. This additional CPD requirement is aimed at those who have qualified within the last two years and who have registered with the GCC for the first time.
• Audit Process: The GCC has an audit process in place to assess chiropractors' compliance with CPD requirements. If selected for audit, chiropractors must provide evidence of their CPD activities and demonstrate how these activities contribute to their professional development.

For further information, please visit the GCC website.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for chiropractors, as it allows them to stay current in their field and provide the best possible care to their patients. Here are some specific advantages of CPD for chiropractors:

• Up-to-Date Knowledge: The field of chiropractic care is dynamic, with ongoing research and advancements. CPD ensures that chiropractors are aware of the latest developments, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends in their field.
• Enhanced Clinical Skills: CPD provides opportunities for chiropractors to improve their clinical skills. This may include learning new adjustment techniques, diagnostic tools, or rehabilitation methods that can enhance patient outcomes.
• Patient Safety: Staying informed about the latest research and best practices through CPD helps chiropractors maintain a high standard of patient care. This focus on safety is essential in a profession that involves physical manipulation and adjustments.
• Professional Credibility: Engaging in CPD activities enhances a chiropractor's professional credibility. Patients are more likely to trust practitioners who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
• Diversification of Services: CPD allows chiropractors to explore and integrate new services into their practice. This may include incorporating one of our various courses here at Breeze Academy, including acupuncture and dry needling, exercise preselection or clinical yoga, which can broaden the scope of services offered.
• Networking Opportunities: CPD events and conferences provide chiropractors with opportunities to network with peers, researchers, and experts in related fields. Building a professional network can lead to collaborations, shared knowledge, and referrals.
• Adaptability to Healthcare Changes: The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, and chiropractors need to adapt to changes in regulations, insurance practices, and healthcare policies. CPD helps them stay informed and adaptable in this dynamic environment.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in CPD is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's an investment in personal and professional growth. Chiropractors who actively seek to expand their knowledge and skills often experience greater job satisfaction and fulfilment.

In summary, CPD is a cornerstone for chiropractors to maintain competency, provide high-quality patient care, and thrive in a profession that values ongoing learning and development.

Each year there will be a small number of cases where registrants have not met the requirements of the GCC CPD programme, or they have not submitted a CPD record summary at all.

In these cases, the GCC will attempt to open a dialogue with the chiropractor to resolve any issues.

However, in instances where registrants do not engage with the process, or their CPD does not meet the expected standard, the Registrar will have little option but to remove them from the register.

In these cases, the registrant will always be given the opportunity to engage with the process so that the Registrar may take as much information into account as possible on which to base their decision.

In the unlikely event that a registrant’s name is removed from the register for failing to comply with the CPD requirements, an option will be open to them to appeal the Registrar’s decision. An appeal must be lodged within 28 days from the date of the removal notice.

Further information on the appeals process can be found here.

In the UK, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for chiropractors is a broad and flexible concept, encompassing a variety of activities that contribute to professional growth and competence. The General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the regulatory body for chiropractors in the UK, provides general guidance on what counts as CPD.

Here are examples of activities that may be considered as CPD for chiropractors in the UK:

• Formal Learning Activities: Attendance at courses, seminars, workshops, or conferences relevant to chiropractic practice. Completion of postgraduate courses or degrees in chiropractic or related fields.
• Self-Directed Learning: Reading relevant professional literature, journals, and research articles. Engaging in online learning, webinars, or podcasts related to chiropractic practice.
• Clinical Practice and Supervision: Reflective practice, where chiropractors review and analyse their clinical experiences. Peer review and clinical audit activities that involve the review of cases and outcomes.
• Teaching and Supervising: Providing chiropractic education or supervision to students, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals.
• Research and Publication: Conducting research in chiropractic or related fields. Publishing articles, papers, or books related to chiropractic practice.
• Management and Business Skills: Courses or activities related to practice management, business skills, and ethics.
• Communication Skills: Training in effective communication with patients and colleagues. Courses on patient education and counselling.
• Ethical and Professional Values: Activities that enhance understanding and adherence to ethical standards in chiropractic practice. Participation in discussions or workshops on professional values.
• Service Development: Involvement in projects or initiatives that contribute to the development of chiropractic services.
• Mentoring and Supervision: Serving as a mentor or supervisor for less experienced colleagues or students.

It's important to note that the GCC emphasises a self-directed and reflective approach to CPD. Chiropractors are encouraged to engage in activities that align with their individual learning needs and contribute to their professional development. Additionally, maintaining a CPD portfolio that documents and reflects on learning activities is a key aspect of demonstrating compliance with CPD requirements.

Chiropractors should refer to the specific guidelines provided by the GCC and regularly check for updates to ensure that their CPD activities meet the regulatory standards. The GCC's website and official publications are valuable resources for the latest information on CPD requirements and guidance.