ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the nature of professional knowledge, keeping up to date, continuing professional development, assessing learning needs, competence and performance, demonstrating competence, evidence-based practice and work-based learning. All health professionals learn their profession-specific generic knowledge, the influence of personal experiences, caseload, the 'hidden curriculum' and role models leads to a personal knowledge base that varies from one individual to another. The health professions expect their members to keep up to date and to provide evidence of continuing professional development (CPD). Health professionals who attend CPD-accredited courses or participate in other accredited activities, such as distance learning or e-learning packages, receive credits for such participation. One way of documenting learning needs and the activities undertaken to meet those needs is the personal development plan – a learning plan with a diary of activity. Doctors must be committed to lifelong learning and be responsible for maintaining the medical knowledge and clinical and team skills necessary for the provision of quality care.
