ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the principle of lifelong learning and continuing professional development (CPD) in the National Health Service (NHS) and its contribution to the quality agenda. A process of lifelong learning for all individuals and teams which enables professionals to expand and fulfil potential and which also meets the needs of patients delivers the health and healthcare priorities of the NHS. The ultimate test of effectiveness of interventions which are included in the descriptions of CPD or lifelong learning in medical care is their effect on healthcare outcomes. CPD is seen as a key to delivering lifelong learning and some of the difficulties of measurement of effectiveness of CPD programmes are acknowledged. The emphasis is on learning styles and activities that are based on assessed learning needs; on the learning process rather than learning methods. The appraisal process is professionally led and peer-reviewed: the peers or the appraisers have received formal training for conducting such reviews on one-to-one basis.
