Louise Corfield, IHEEM business development manager, describes the launch of a new IHEEM approval scheme which should help members faced with a bewildering array of training course choices, in some topic areas, to identify those offering the optimal content.
One of IHEEM’s major roles is to support its members and those operating in the field of healthcare engineering and estates management in developing their Continual Professional Development (CPD). All Institute members are expected to undertake CPD each year, and to submit their details to IHEEM for review. CPD can take many forms, including reading technical journals, mentoring, and undertaking practical experience. However, the most popular form is through training, e.g. courses and seminars. Recognising the importance of training within its members’ CPD portfolio, and to assist members in planning their CPD, IHEEM is establishing a new scheme that will offer training providers the opportunity to have their courses and seminars officially Institute-approved for their CPD content. Training providers are now being invited to submit details of their course or seminar for CPD approval by IHEEM and, if successful, will receive a two-year “mark of approval”. Both IHEEM members and other healthcare engineering and estate management professionals will be able to recognise the mark, and use the information when selecting which course or seminar to undertake.
Many ways to undertake CPD CPD is defined as the process via which a professional person maintains the quality and relevance of professional services throughout his or her working life. CPD can be undertaken in many different ways, including:
• Distance and open learning, including CBT (computer-based training) and CAL (computer-assisted learning).
• The use of problem-orientated approaches to learning, including actionlearning, and self-managed learning.
• Structured reading.
• Authorship of technical papers.
• Membership of committees within nominated professional institutions.
• Part-time teaching commitments.
However, the most common from of CPD is learning through attending conferences, courses and seminars. In order to be considered suitable for CPD any training undertaken should be:
• Linked both to organisational strategy and individual needs.
• Viewed as an investment in human resource management.
• Focused on providing on-the-job training and skills development.
• Knowledge-based training.
• Evaluated with both pre- and post-course assessment.
• About “learning”, as opposed to “training”.
• Transferred to action and change in the workplace.
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