Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about CPD, appraisal, revalidation and our courses. If your question is not answered here, please email admin@lcshealthcare.co.uk.
CPD, appraisal and revalidation
What is CPD and why do doctors need it?
Continuing professional development (CPD) is the learning you undertake to keep your knowledge and skills up to date across your whole scope of practice. The GMC expects every licensed doctor to take part in CPD, and CPD is one of the types of supporting information you discuss at your annual appraisal.
How many CPD hours does the GMC require?
The GMC does not set a minimum number of CPD hours or credits. It expects your CPD to be relevant to, and to cover, your whole scope of practice, and you should reflect on what you have learned and how it applies to your work. Some medical royal colleges and faculties publish their own annual credit recommendations, so check the guidance that applies to your specialty.
What supporting information do I need for appraisal and revalidation?
The GMC asks doctors to collect and reflect on six types of supporting information: continuing professional development; quality improvement activity; significant events; feedback from colleagues; feedback from patients or those to whom you provide medical services; and compliments and complaints. Colleague and patient feedback is normally gathered at least once in each five-year revalidation cycle.
What is the difference between appraisal and revalidation?
Appraisal is an annual, structured discussion of your practice and supporting information with a trained appraiser. Revalidation is the process, usually every five years, by which your Responsible Officer makes a recommendation to the GMC that you remain up to date and fit to practise, based largely on your appraisals and supporting information.
Will LCS Academy courses count towards my revalidation?
Our courses provide CPD and a certificate you can include as supporting information in your appraisal portfolio. As with any CPD, what matters most is that the learning is relevant to your scope of practice and that you reflect on how it applies to your work. Whether particular activity is sufficient is a matter for discussion with your appraiser and Responsible Officer.
Is the free revalidation checklist really free?
Yes. Our Medical Revalidation Checklist is free to download — enter your name and email address on the checklist page and it will be sent to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Our courses
Who are the courses for?
Our courses are written for doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and other healthcare staff working in the UK, in both NHS and independent sector settings. Each course description explains who it is designed for.
Are your mandatory training courses aligned with the Core Skills Training Framework?
Several of our statutory and mandatory training courses — including equality and diversity, health and safety, infection prevention and control, information governance, manual handling, resuscitation and safeguarding — are aligned with the Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) published by Skills for Health. The level each course covers is stated in its title and description.
Who develops the courses?
Our courses are developed by GMC-registered doctors and legally qualified professionals with practical experience of medical appraisal, revalidation and healthcare regulation, and are based on current GMC guidance and UK legislation.
What does "indicative CPD hours" mean?
Indicative CPD hours are our estimate of the time a typical learner needs to complete the course, including reading and assessment. Record the time you actually spend, together with your reflection, in your CPD log.
Do I receive a certificate?
Yes. You receive a CPD certificate when you complete a course, which you can download and add to your appraisal portfolio straight away.
How are the courses delivered?
All courses are delivered online through our Teachable learning platform. They are self-paced, so you can study on a computer, tablet or phone at a time that suits you.
Buying and refunds
How much do the courses cost?
Prices are shown on each course and are quoted excluding VAT. Most single courses are £97 plus VAT; longer, multi-module courses are priced higher.
What is your refund policy?
We offer a 7-day money-back guarantee. If a course does not meet your requirements and expectations, email us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund. Terms and conditions apply.
Can I arrange training for a team or organisation?
Please email admin@lcshealthcare.co.uk with the courses you are interested in and the number of learners, and we will discuss the options with you.