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Peer discussion and distance learning
Peer discussion
Peer discussion groups should not be about individual practitioners making or offering judgement on the decisions or practices of others. It should offer an environment in which registrants can engage in case-based discussion with a group of four to eight peers, which will help them to consider their own decision-making and record-keeping. We hope registrants will become more aware of best practice and areas for improvement, raising standards across the profession.
Registrants in clinical practice may choose to use their own case records. Alternatively, example case records can be used, ensuring registrants not currently in clinical practice can also benefit from these sessions.
The following types of peer discussion will be CET-accredited:
1. The traditional peer review group where a small group of registrants bring their own cases for discussion, with one registrant nominated to organise and lead the event.
2. A structured case-based discussion with up to eight peers in the same room, using example cases led by a facilitator. The facilitator will ensure each individual participates and helps the group make a link to their own practice.
We have listened to feedback from registrants and providers on the barriers to peer review under the current system. In particular, difficulties in providing the advance information required for CET approval. From 2013, there will still continue to be a requirement to register a peer discussion group in advance, but the information required will be limited to the date and location of the event, list of participants, nominated discussion leader and topic or scenario for discussion.
Instead, in order to gain the peer discussion points, individual registrants will be expected to record their learning from the session in their CETOptics account. By providing a reflection statement, we hope it will encourage practitioners to relate their learning to their own scope of practice.
We are working with CET providers to ensure that all registrants have access to a peer discussion group. A toolkit containing guidance on the role of the discussion leader and example case records will be produced to support groups in meeting the requirements.
We recognise that there may be exceptional cases where a registrant experiences difficulty in physically attending a discussion group. Where a registrant can demonstrate exceptional circumstances the GOC may consider permitting participation via online real-time audio and video services. Online groups will need to be arranged through an approved provider trained in the use of this technology.
You can also read more about peer discussion on the College of Optometrists' website
Distance learning
We recognise the value registrants place on being able to undertake CET by distance learning. However, the research carried out identified risks associated with the large proportion of registrants completing all or most of their CET via text based distance learning (eg journal articles).
These registrants are achieving their CET points with little or no interaction with peers, potentially leading to professional isolation. We are therefore working with CET providers to explore new types of interactive CET which could be delivered as distance learning, including the potential use of social media. We are also reviewing the approval criteria for text based distance learning to improve the quality of CET delivered through this method.
We will consider whether it is necessary to cap the percentage of CET points that can be obtained by undertaking text based distance learning once further work has been done to explore possible alternative types of distance learning and to improve the overall quality of this type of provision.
Peer Review Requirements
