Journal article
Design, Delivery and Impact: PRACTICAL Tips for Impactful Continuing Professional Development
Health professions education, Vol.12(4), pp.439-446
06/2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for maintaining competence and improving patient care, yet most approaches often have limited impact on practice. This Practice Brief draws on qualitative research with Australian allied health professionals to identify what motivates CPD engagement and supports meaningful learning. Participants highlighted that improving patient outcomes is the strongest driver, and that learning is most effective when it is relevant, actionable, socially interactive, and linked to real-world practice. We synthesised these insights into the PRACTICAL framework, outlining nine principles for CPD design: Patient Outcomes, Recipients, Actionable Takeaways, Co-design, Theory, Investment, Collaborative Learning, Assessment, and Link to Real Work. Each principle provides practical guidance for aligning CPD with learner needs, enhancing engagement, and facilitating translation into practice. By applying the PRACTICAL framework to design and delivery, CPD providers can provide impactful learning experiences that foster professional growth, improve clinical practice, and ultimately benefit patients.
Details
- Title
- Design, Delivery and Impact: PRACTICAL Tips for Impactful Continuing Professional Development
- Creators
- Helen McGregor - Southern Cross UniversityBrett Vaughan - Southern Cross UniversityLouise Horstmanshof - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Health professions education, Vol.12(4), pp.439-446
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 8
- Identifiers
- 991013389843002368
- Copyright
- © 2026 Association of Medical Education in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (AMEEMR).
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article