Professional Development Academy

FAQ

What is the Professional Development Academy?

The Professional Development Academy is a consortium of the University of Dundee, NHS Tayside and NHS Education for Scotland (NES) East Deanery. PDA is networked with an increasing number of other educational providers - such as the University of Dundee Centre for Medical Education; the Scottish School of Primary Care; and the emerging Institute for Health Professional Education. In common with these other bodies we are committed to providing relevant and accessible education on a multi-disciplinary basis.

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In what ways will opportunities presented by the PDA be 'flexible'?

The CPD programmes offered by the Academy are in unit form to enable focus on your individual specific needs and interests. Engaging with the most relevant set of individual units, ensures that the requirements to have CPD "credits" for forthcoming professional regulation will be met. Individuals who would like to accumulate credit towards a qualification will be able to combine units of study in a 'joined up' manner.

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Will the CPD programmes follow the traditional university model?

If that means attendance every Wednesday afternoon, then 'no'. Learning takes place in a range of forms and in different locations, with any required assessment reflecting this. There is an emphasis on learning in the workplace and project-based learning alongside core units and electives, which will all be available in a mix of on-line, on-paper and in-person.

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At what level will these qualifications be available?

The Academy's programme encompasses post-graduate qualifications at certificate, diploma, masters and doctoral levels.

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Have the decisions on the content and format been taken?

No. The PDA is fortunate in that it has a sound foundation of work on which to build. This includes the courses already being offered as part of the MSc in Primary Care, tutor training programmes and more specialised research methodology training. Working with other departments in Dundee University, NHS Tayside and NES gives the PDA a rich range of materials on which to build.

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How will you meet the diverse needs of different groups - or will this be 'one size fits all'?

The common starting point for the work of the Professional Development Academy lies in the words 'Community-Based' and this term covers a wide range of roles and responsibilties. CPD requirements may have comon themes but they differ significantly.

One way to address this (and thoughts on this are still developing) is illustrated by the case of the Primary Care Based Masters programme. This offers a set of different replicable routes, which will offer in-built flexiblity to meet the needs of all.

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How does the work of the PDA link in with Professional Regulation and Annual Appraisal?

Current thinking suggests that the emerging models of Professional Regulation will have some form of annual appraisal as part of the process. In addition there will be an as yet undetermined clinical governance aspect. Professional Development and Education will be embedded into both of these elements of Regulation. The method adopted by individuals to meet their educational requirements will need to (at least in part) involve "accredited" learning activities. PDA programmes and the outcomes achieved from taking part in them will help to ensure compliance with the Professional Regulation process.

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How much of what's on offer will be multi-disciplinary and available to all community-based health care professionals?

All community based health care professionals are aware of the importance of teamwork. Government policy has determined that there will be a "Shift in the Balance of Care" and more patient care will be delivered in the Community. To cope with this professionals will need to explore and understand not only their own traditional roles and duties but also ensure that they are aware of those of the whole team. Achieving this will require the development and extension of skills in a complementary way with others in the team. An excellent way to achieve this is through Multi-disciplinary Learning. PDA programmes are designed to support that process.

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Scottish School of Primary Care