Registrar raises concerns about students undertaking practical CPD

As we near the annual deadline for completing continuing professional development (CPD), and educational establishments break for the summer, concerns have been raised about organisers of CPD events encouraging students in training to independently attend evening and weekend seminars outside of their educational programme.

While not seeking to dampen students’ enthusiasm to learn, network and explore the profession of chiropractic, their education must always be balanced with the need to keep patients safe.
We are concerned that students could injure themselves or another attendee during one of these seminars. More seriously they could injure a patient in attempting a technique beyond their competence within the clinical phase of their training.

Last month Nick Jones, Registrar, wrote to the deans of colleges of approved programmes setting out these concerns and asking them to raise the issue with their students. He has also shared his concerns with the professional associations and the Royal College of Chiropractors.

While registrants are responsible for their own development and working within the limits of their knowledge and skills, the same responsibilities do not apply to students. Before they graduate and register, students are expected to abide by The Code and follow the guidance issued by the GCC; but they remain the responsibility of the educational establishment (each college has their own Fitness to Practise process, liability insurance, and rules of student conduct). It is right that each college be responsible for how they wish to approach this issue. 

How does this affect registrants?

Registrants organising or presenting at CPD events must exercise caution. This is particularly important where practical or technical skills are being taught. They have a professional duty to consider whether invited individuals possess the appropriate level of skill and knowledge for the content being presented.