ABSTRACT
Planning is a process of undertaking and recording the steps of the continuing professional development cycle. The documentation of this cycle is important both to guide the doctor and appraiser and for purposes of accountability and demonstration. Personal development planning is the process of creating an action plan based on awareness, reflection, goal-setting and planning for personal development within the context of a career, education, or for self-improvement. Personal development plans are a widespread phenomenon in industry and the professions. In medicine, the most junior of trainees is guided to start keeping such a document and lodging it in their portfolios. The exact format of each e-portfolio may vary but they generally include the following: personal and professional development plan, meetings with educational and clinical supervisors, workplace-based assessments, reflective reports and other evidence and sign-off documents.
