Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2009) 15: 2-6. doi: 10.1192/apt.bp.108.005686
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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CPD and recertification: improving patient outcomes through focused learning

J. S. Bamrah and Dinesh Bhugra

J. S. Bamrah is a Consultant Psychiatrist at North Manchester General Hospital and Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Continuing Professional Development Committee. Dinesh Bhugra is Professor of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, and President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Correspondence: Correspondence Dr J.S. Bamrah, Park House, North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 5RB, UK. Email: jsbamrah{at}aol.com

Abstract

The impending regulatory changes for all medical professionals in the UK will make it necessary for doctors to be relicensed and, in the case of specialists, to be recertified. This editorial argues strongly in favour of recertification and proposes that continuing professional development is one of the main planks on which recertification of psychiatrists should be based. We present cogent reasons for this, as well as evidence that improved learning contributes positively to healthcare. We also recommend that psychiatrists should make learning objectives more clinically focused as well as properly resourced.