CDR Publishes Article on CPE Opportunities for Preceptors in CAADE Newsletter

In response to questions about continuing professional education (CPE) opportunities for preceptors, CDR contributed an article to the September CAADE newsletter. Following is a copy of the article, which highlights the opportunities for CPE utilizing the current recertification requirements and additional opportunities with the Professional Development Portfolio.

Optimizing CPE Opportunities for Preceptors

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. - Chinese Proverb

Can learning opportunities used by preceptors be awarded continuing professional education (CPE) credit with CDR's current guidelines? Are there any additional opportunities for capturing learning with the Professional Development 2001 Portfolio? (link to Professional Development Portfolio) These are questions frequently asked of CDR by education program directors and practitioners serving as preceptors for supervised practice programs.

CPE credit, for knowledge or skills obtained to successfully be a preceptor, is available for RDs and DTRs. In addition to information about these opportunities for CPE credit, this article will provide examples of how preceptors can optimize their professional development opportunities.

• Workshops to maintain communication or education skills
• Journal clubs to review literature on key topics, such as innovative foodservice quality improvement approaches
• Case review and evaluation of public health clients
• Self-study activities to enhance time and resource management skills

Professional Development 2001 Portfolio and professional development for preceptors
"The Professional Development Portfolio provides more flexibility, using an expanded definition of continuing professional education," says Rita Storey Grandgenett, MS, RD, Chair, CDR's Competency Assurance Panel.¹

How has the definition of CPE been expanded with the Portfolio? Recognizing that each individual has a unique preference for learning, the Portfolio embraces diversity in learning styles and offers a variety of CPE activities for professional development, such as conventional activities (eg, workshops, journal clubs, case presentations, self-study), as well as academic coursework, exhibits, posters, reading professional journal articles, and sponsored independent learning.

Also, by grounding the Portfolio in professional practice, the professional assumes responsibility for selecting learning activities that have a direct relationship to that practice. CDR's role then shifts from approving or denying continuing education activities to one of providing the tools for self-directed learning, verifying that each step in the process has been completed and meets minimum guidelines.

Two examples that preceptors can consider for professional development are professional reading and sponsored independent learning. Preceptors who read professional journal articles to assist a student with learning more about, for example, insulin resistance, can claim continuing professional education units (CPEUs). Reading 2 peer-reviewed journal articles will be awarded 1 CPEU (www.cdrnet.org/pdrcenter/portfolioTOC.htm). Preceptors who complete an individualized learning activity that is planned with an expert in a particular area will be awarded 1 CPEU for 2 hours spent on this activity. An example of this is sponsored independent learning with a nursing home administrator to enhance skills in prospective payment systems.

Learning activities that enable one to gain the knowledge or skills to successfully act as a preceptor also can be awarded CPE credit. The examples provided in this article are just some of the ways to optimize professional development for preceptors now and in the future.

For questions about the CPE opportunities for preceptors, contact redesign@eatright.org or 800/877-1600 ext 4768.