Author's own remarks and observation after serving at the UAE's Ministry of Health for 5 years and Academia for 2years.

1. Developing aNational Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment - CME /CPD Program forHealth Professionals Dr. Yousuf H. Qureshi JP MNZIM MD DPH FACP DAB PhD Technical Adviser CME / CPD/ CNE & Advocacy Health Systems Strategy LLC Dubai UAE

2. Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment (CPD/CME) CPD/CME is a specific form of professional development that helps health professionals maintain competence and learn about new and developing areas of their fields. Continuous updating of professional knowledge and the improvement of professional competence throughout a person’s working life. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 2

3. Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment (CPD/CME) Lifelong Learning Formal Education Birth Death Continuing Professional Development 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 3

4. Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment (CPD/CME) Characteristics of CPD/CME Program Continuous / life long learning; Should be structured / formal; Outcome oriented; Everyone participates; Specific to national healthcare needs; Should not be a costly affair; Voluntary !! / Mandatory!!!! 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 4

5. (CPD/CME)Existing Global CPD/CME Model In most of the countries with relatively mature CPD/CME Programs: CPD/CME is regulated by the Professional Societies/ Universities / Colleges; CPD/CME is provided by a large number of Medical Organizations; CPD/CME is accredited by some Accreditation Agencies; CPD/CME is measured in the form of credit hours/points; Recertification and renewal of licenses are being increasingly linked with formal CPD/CME requirements. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 5

6. (CPD/CME)in the UAE Health Professionals in the UAE: > 10,000 Registered Medical Practitioners; Over 1000 Registered Dental Practitioners; Over 2,000 specialist doctors; Over 200 TCAM Practitioners; Tens of thousands of nurses and technicians 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 6

7. Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment (CPD/CME) UAE doctors, nurses, technicians and other health professionals have life-long learning needs as in any other Civilized Country. A strong CPD/CME Program is needed to fulfill the learning needs of health professionals practicing in the UAE. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 7

8. CME/CPD/CME in the UAE CME/CPD/CNE has always existed in teaching hospitals in the form of medical education activities: Clinico- pathological meetings Mortality & Morbidity meetings Journal clubs Grand rounds Lectures, workshops, seminars. Limited CME/CPD/CNE opportunities for private sector doctors BUT INCREASING!! 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 8

9. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAE UAE Policy Makers and Decision Makers need to learn from the experiences of others and start a National CPD/CME Program on right lines right from the beginning. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 9

10. Proposed Strategy forCPD/CME Program in the UAE Define CPD/CME (from UAE’s CPD/CME needs perspective); Perform assessment of situation (tools like SWOT analysis); Set vision, mission and values of the National CPD/CME program; Set strategies for the National CPD/CME Program; Set rules and regulations for the National CPD/CME Program; Establish infrastructure needs, CPD/CME policy, role and responsibilities of key stakeholders; Set goals and objectives of the program (Operational plan); Identify funding needs and mechanisms (Financial plan). 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 10

11. Define CME/CPD/CNE in the UAE CPD/CME in the UAE means: Continuous improvement of professional knowledge and competence of ALL health professionals, through an integrated CPD/CME system with a special emphasis on improving the quality of healthcare services through addressing the healthcare needs of the country. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 11

12. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAESTRATEGY Vision UAE will have an integrated CPD/CME system to fulfilling the professional development needs of all health professionals, through a specially designed CPD/CME curriculum specific to the needs of the UAE healthcare system, to improve the health of the nation. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 12

13. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAESTRATEGY Mission UAE has a well organized and structured CPD/CME program that integrates key stakeholders to address the lifelong learning needs of its health professionals, in order to improve the health of the nation. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 13

14. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAESTRATEGY Values Life long learning for all health professionals; Integrated system; Well regulated system; Addresses the national healthcare needs; Affordable system; Model for developing countries. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 14

15. Key Stakeholders inUAE CPD/CNE Program Ministry of Health (largest employer of Health Professionals) Dubai Health Authority Health Authority Abu Dhabi Proposed Health Authority of Northern Emirates Professional and specialty societies (EMA and others). Medical Colleges & Universities Other Institutions – Pharmaceutical Companies etc. etc. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 15

16. SWOT Analysis ofthe Existing CPD/CME System Strengths & Weaknesses: Motivated staff eager to learn and improve. Medical Education increasingly being valued at the Medical Colleges/Universities’ level. Fragmented, unstructured CPD/CME system, mostly limited to teaching hospitals; No formal CPD/CME requirements at any level; System is not supported by stakeholders (MOH, DHA, HAAD etc.); Rules and regulations do not exist, universally, to operate the system. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 16

17. CME / CPD Requirement A minimum number of credit points are required, within a period of FIVE years Medical & Dental Practitioners: 30 Points /year Pharmacy practitioners:20 Points /year Nurses : 15 Points /year Technicians: 10 Points / year Allied Health Professionals TCAM* 15 Points /year MANDATORY to acquire, at least, 50% points at regular CME activities, designed, for Medical Fraternity (Source: MoH News in Khaleej Times – March 2010) 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 17

18. SWOT Analysis ofthe Existing CPD/CME System Opportunities and Threats: Enormous opportunities in the field. If we do not act now, others will invade and takeover the system. If the system is not implemented, UAE Health professionals will become isolated from global developments in health services. CME CREDIT POINT SYSTEM is increasingly becoming globalized. UAE Health Professionals will look towards external sources of CPD/CME in the absence of a National CPD/CME System. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 18

19. Setting Strategies forthe UAE CPD/CME Program The DHA should involve key stakeholders (MoH, HAAD. New Authority, Universities) to perform brainstorming and assessment studies to introduce an organized CPD/CME program in the UAE. Review existing global CPD/CME programs at the MoH / DHA / HAAD. Establish rules and regulations for CPD/CME program and define constitutional responsibilities of key stakeholders. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 19

20. Setting Strategies forthe UAE CPD/CME Program Establish mechanisms to introduce CPD/CME system in the UAE. Establish CPD/CME Accreditation and Regulatory System through the establishment of UAE Council for Continuing Professional Development. Introduce CPD/CME Curriculum that is based on National Health Policy and Priorities. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 20

21. Challenges in ImplementingCPD/CME System in the UAE Bringing key stakeholders on one table (MOH, DHA, HAAD, Medical Universities, EMA , Emirate Nursing Council etc.); Defining the role of different stakeholders; Developing law, rules and regulations for CPD/CME system; Developing an affordable CPD/CME system; Defining country specific CPD/CME curriculum; CPD/CME outreach program to capture all health professionals in different beurucraticlocations. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 21

22. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure To gain the credit hours / points the CME activities are divided into 3 Categories Category 1 Be sponsored by an organization accredited by the MoH. Conform to the Definition of CME / CPD. Be based on a perceived or demonstrated educational need which is documented Be intended to meet the continuing educationneeds of an individual physician or specific group of participants 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 22

23. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Category 1 (Continued) Have stated educational objectives for the activity Have content which is appropriate for the specified objectives Use teaching/learning methodologies and techniques which are suitable for the objectives and format of the activity Use evaluation mechanisms defined to assess the quality of the activity and its relevance to the stated needs and objectives 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 23

24. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Category 2 Category 2 activities are not formally designated Online Medical research and study Using non-designated enduring materials Teaching of medical or healthcare professionals Reading authoritative medical literature Attendance at conferences, lectures, and seminars not designated in Category 1. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 24

25. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Category 3 Category 3 activities are not designated in either categories 1 & 2 and cater, solely, for research oriented CME activities 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 25

26. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Table1. Menu of CME / CPD Activities Category 1 Type of Activity CME / CPD credit points / hour or part of Workshops An hour /More than one hour 1 Credit point Lecture series 1 credit point Symposia 1 credit point Seminars 1 credit point Group Learning Sessions/Group Activities 0.5 cr. point Practical Training Sessions 0.5 credit point Clinical Training Sessions 0.5 credit point 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 26

27. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Table 2. Menu of CME / CPD Activities Category 2: Type of Activity CME / CPD credit points / hour or part of Patient care review meetings 0.5 point Teaching – Medical & Other Health Professionals 0.5 point Writing Questions for Examinations 0.5 point Journal Clubs 0.5 point Self Assessment Examinations 0.5 point 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 27

28. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Category 2 (Continued) Type of Activity CME / CPD credit points / hour or part of Approved Self Instructions 0.5 credit point Computer Assisted Instructions 0.5 credit point Audio- Visual Instructions 0.5 credit point Distance Learning / Web based Learning 0.5 credit point Reading scientific Papers for Journals 0.5 credit point Self – directed Study for Examinations 0.5 credit point 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 28

29. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Table 3. Research & Related Category 3 Type of Activity CME / CPD credit points Scientific Papers published in related journals - 1st or Single Author (solo) 5 credit points - 2nd Author 3 credit points - 3rd Author 2 credit points Review Articles in related specialty - 1st (Or Single) author 5 credit points - 2nd author 3 credit points - 3rd author 2 credit points 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 29

30. CME / CPD Present Points Awarding Structure Table 3. Research & Related Category 3 Chapters in a book in related specialty - 1st (Or Single) author 5 credit points - 2nd author 3 credit points - 3rd author 2 credit points Scientific Paper presentations in related specialty - International Conference 5 credit points - Local, Regional or National level 3 credit points - Chairing / Co chairing a session 2 credit points - Writing a book in related specialty 10 credit points 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 30

31. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAESTRATEGY Key stakeholders MUST unite to introduce structured CPD/CME Program in the UAE 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 31

32. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAE Mistakes are painful when they happen. BUT YEARS LATER COLLECTION OF MISTAKES IS CALLED EXPERIENCE, WHICH SHOULD LEAD TO SUCCESS. WE CANNOT AFFORD MAKING MORE MISTAKES…. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 32

33. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAE NO ONE CAN GO BACK AND CHANGE A BAD BEGINNING BUT ANYONE CAN START NOW AND CREATE A SUCCESSFUL ENDING 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 33

34. CONCLUSION CPD/CME System is already in crises in the UAE. We DO NOT have a system to address the professional development needs of our fellow colleagues. Our Healthcare leadership must wake up NOW to establish the system before it is too late…. Who will take the lead ? MOH ? DHA ? HAAD ? EMA ? ACADEMIC Institutions Someone else? 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 34

35. Food for Thought Responsible and accurate portrayal of best clinical practice in the context of Evidence Based Medicine, using current clinical practice as a reference point. Transparency on relationships and matters of conflict of interest. Structures in place to avoid potential influence from commercial supporters or single issue organizations. Expert authors of the appropriate level of expertise and relevance to the target audience. (European CME-CPD Academy) 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 35

36. Food for Thought Clarity of support and involvement: all institutions and supporters are clearly identified and differentiated where they have had any involvement and under what conditions. Clearly laid out learning objectives and expectations for participation in order to complete the activity, including timings and evaluation or testing requirement. All our programs are accredited for CME or approved for CPD by the relevant authority to the target audience profile of each individual activity. (European CME-CPD Academy) 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 36

37. Food for Thought European CME-CPD Academy is dedicated to the delivery of high quality accredited continuing education for healthcare professionals in Europe. Can we form an Academy, here, in the UAE that would serve all the GCC Countries, other neighboring countries and Indo - Pak Subcontinent. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 37

38. Revenue Generation by CME Any organization wish to use DHA/MoH /HAAD Logo MUST be charged x – y K depending on the size of the event and worth of the organization. IF DHA/MoH /HAAD facilities are used for any CME activity they should levy some charges. All certificates issued by the organizers MUST be charged a Prorate say 50 dirham / certificate (Irrespective whether the organizers are charging the participants or NOT) DHA/MoH /HAAD fraternity exempted. 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 38

39. CME/CPD/CNE in the UAE THANK YOU 5/29/2010 Dr Yousuf H. Qureshi 39