As a UK registered dietitian we are bound by the regulations of the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC). The HCPC exists to protect the public by regulating health and care professionals in the UK. A Dietitian is a protected title in the UK and all dietitians must be registered with the HCPC to work in the UK.
What is continuing professional development (CPD)?
CPD is the mean of learning and developing throughout your career, ensuring your skills and knowledge are up to date so that you can practise safely.
As outlined by the HCPC, to meet the CPD standards, dietitians are required to:
- Carry out learning activities on a regular basis.
- Carry out different kinds of learning activities.
- Keep a record of these learning activities.
- Carry out activities that might improve practice and benefit your service users.
- Take part in an audit if asked.
Reflection is a key aspect of CPD and after completion of a learning activity it is always useful to consider how that learning may change practice or identify further areas for learning and development. As mentioned earlier, CPD is career long learning to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
I am passionate about learning and developing my skills and knowledge to support my work as a dietitian. Some of examples of CPD activities that I have completed recently include:
- Literature review of clinical research on the gut microbiome to support an article I was writing
- Webinar on immunity and gut health
- Webinar on telehealth in dietetics
- Literature review of clinical research on dysphagia to support an article I was writing
- Online update course on the low fodmap diet to support with private client consultations
When choosing where to obtain nutritional advice it is important to consider whether they are a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Nutritionist (ANutr, RNutr) rather than an unregistered nutritionist or nutritional therapist. In addition to this a commitment to continuing professional development and learning ensure that you are gaining advice from individuals that is informed and evidence based.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss how I can help you.
Caroline Hill is a specialist menopause dietitian supporting women making dietary change. Caroline uses her extensive knowledge, skills and expertise of food and nutrition to help women manage their symptoms and weight during menopause. Caroline believes in providing sustainable, individualised, evidence-based advice to women making dietary change.
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