What counts as CPD for Physiotherapists?

The types of CPD can include:

• Work-based learning - e.g. reflecting on experiences at work, considering feedback from service users, or being a member of a committee.
• Professional activity - e.g. being involved in a professional body or giving a presentation at a conference.
• Formal education - e.g. going on formal courses or carrying out research.
• Self-directed learning - e.g. reading articles or books.

But what does this look like in reality? There could be many things you are already doing day-to-day that can count towards this mixture of activities, so here are just a few suggestions to get your CPD juices flowing.

Reading tweets by any relevant associated bodies

For example, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Physio in Sport and World Physiotherapy.

Reading new research papers posted by relevant research bodies

The Physiopedia charity provides an evidence-based and continually updating knowledge resource that is free for anyone to access. The website claims to be the largest available physiotherapy knowledge resource and is used by people in every corner of the world.

Read reviews and research in the current and archive editions of the Physiotherapy journal.

Research articles are also available at The BMJ.

Listening to podcasts

For example, Physio Edge, The British Journal of Sports Medicine and The NAF Physio Podcast.

Watching live and pre-recorded videos on YouTube or other video sharing platforms

The Physio Channel has an archive of videos featuring assessment techniques, treatment demonstrations, and educational videos for therapists. Presented by UK physiotherapist, lecturer and author - Daniel Lawrence.

Exploring the many online training courses available through health boards, trusts and universities

The CSP lists a range of post-qualifying training programs on their website.

Reflecting on your experience after being involved in some industry campaigning

For example, have you taken part in the CSP's campaign #Righttorehab?

Being mentored or mentoring others

Explore the CSP Mentoring Platform or check out our guide on how to find a mentor.

Improving your day-to-day skills

This could include things like enhancing your IT and digital skills.

Reflecting on an article published in CSP's Frontline magazine

Frontline publishes 12 issues a year, so this can be a good way to keep up to date on industry topics and trends.

Where will your CPD journey take you next?

If any of these have jogged your memory, or inspired you to start consciously tracking your development activities, then make sure you diarise some time to log and reflect on them.

Whether that’s in a fancy notebook, a spreadsheet, or a CPD tracking app like Julia, by capturing what you are doing regularly, your CPD history will build up in no time!

Please let us know on Twitter if you have any additional suggestions for activities and resources and we’ll update our list so everyone can benefit.

Please note that Julia is not affiliated with any external content nor is it endorsing any particular resources as successful CPD practice.