Peer groups are officially recognized as a format of continuing professional development (CPD)

The Government has approved Resolution No. 1036 of 29.09.2023, which defines peer groups as an official format of continuing professional development (CPD) with the accrual of points. 

 We know that facilitators and participants of peer groups have been waiting for this step to regulate their activities. However, we are confident that it is not only the points that motivate professionals to join peer groups in their institutions but also the format and the opportunity to learn with other professionals. 

 We want to remind you that peer groups are small groups of professionals who meet regularly for a structured and critical discussion of their clinical practice to improve the quality of medical care continuously. The peer group is a highly interactive format where the facilitator guides the discussion, and participants are actively involved in the process, presenting their clinical cases or exciting topics. Peer groups as a format of CPD have several advantages over other formats but in no way replace lectures, conferences, meetings, and training, which medical professionals can continue to choose for their professional development. 

 The next necessary step, as defined by the Resolution, is adopting the Ministry of Health’s regulation on establishing and functioning peer groups in healthcare facilities. So, the process of regulation continues! 

 We want to thank our partners, the USAID Healthcare Reform Support Project in Ukraine and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, for facilitating the inclusion of peer groups in the CPD Resolution and bringing this issue to a successful conclusion.