Answering your top questions about the Peer Discussion Review

Lorraine runs through some of the queries we have been receiving from osteopaths about the Peer Discussion Review  

As the third year of the CPD cycle is coming to a close for many osteopaths, attention is very much turning to this process. But different osteopaths are at different stages of their Peer Discussion Review (PDR). Some might just be starting out with their PDR and might not yet have found their peer, while others might be ready to fill in their templates and have the PDR meeting booked in with their peer. Many of you would probably just like some extra support in general. So I thought I would put together some answers to the questions we hear most frequently from osteopaths which may help you whatever stage you are at. 

Osteopaths have been asking us: 

Q: Do I need to send in my PDR template when it’s completed? 

A: Your PDR template doesn’t need to be submitted to the GOsC. Once you have completed your PDR discussion, fill in the template, make sure that it is signed by you and your peer (remember, if you complete it online, you can sign your template off online electronically by adding your electronic signature if you have one, or simply by typing your name); then keep this within your CPD records. You will only need to submit your template as evidence to us (in the same way as you would with your CPD) if we contact you as part of the verification and assurance process. (You can read a blog I wrote on the process). 

Q: I was wondering if I could send the completed PDR template to you for your feedback? 

A: There’s no need for us to check your completed template as these are intended to be a framework around which you can discuss your CPD activities with your peer, and a way for you to demonstrate how you’ve met the requirements. Remember, the PDR is not an assessment or an exam so don’t worry, we won’t be ‘marking’ your PDRs. The template itself walks you through the process and you might find it useful to take a look at this completed PDR template which is an example of what it could look like when it’s completed. 

Q: I’m unsure where to start with my PDR, can you help? 

A: Dr Stacey Clift, our Senior Research and Policy Officer, has produced a short video sharing results from the CPD Evaluation Survey highlighting how some osteopaths are progressing with their Peer Discussion Review (PDR) offering pointers on how they have approached the process overall. Watching this video might give you some inspiration for getting started with your own. You can also check out further resources including this recording of a webinar on PDR which we held in January 2021. Another way to help you ease yourself into your PDR is to familiarise yourself with the process of giving and receiving feedback, which we’re aware can be a challenge for many people. We’ve produced a short video on the topic to help get you started:

Q: I am a sole practitioner, any tips on where to find a peer? 

A: If you haven’t yet agreed with another osteopath or health professional that they will be your peer, you can find one by checking out the professional membership body the Institute of Osteopathy’s Peer Matching Platform – you don’t need to be a member to sign up. You might also want to offer to be a peer for another osteopath at the same time. You might find it helpful to take a look at this PDR decision tree which is ideal for osteopaths who haven’t yet chosen a peer.  

Q: Can my peer be from another health profession?  

A: You can choose any health professional to be your peer. The key is to find a peer who you will feel comfortable with when discussing your CPD, practice and areas of development. You want the process to help with mutual learning and support. This PDR decision tree is ideal for helping you identify what’s important to you, prompting you to consider how you want to work with your peer.

Q: I have had a discussion with a colleague – this covers peer discussion, right?   

A: This sounds as if it might actually be the start of a Case-Based Discussion (which is one of the Objective Activity requirements of the CPD scheme). The Peer Discussion Review is more of a structured discussion that takes place to confirm that you have engaged with and completed the whole CPD scheme.  You will also need to plan and prepare for your Peer Discussion Review, having a look at the template which you would use as a walk through for your discussion and have your peer complete their section in preparation. The Peer discussion Review would be held on  a date agreed with your Peer in advance.  

Q: Can you use two peers or do you need to use just one person? 

A: You can have multiple peers or use just one person, whichever works better for you. Do have a look at the PDR template and go to the sign–off page towards the end where you can see that you could potentially have a different peer for each of the four standards.  

Q: Can two osteopaths reciprocate and act as peers for each other? 

A: Yes they can. Many osteopaths we know are being peers for each other’s Peer Discussion Reviews, so they can learn and go through the process together. 

Q: How do I share my online CPD Diary with my peer? 

A: If you choose to use the CPD Diary, you will find it on the o zone. When it comes to sharing it with your peer, you will need to look for a dark blue button called ‘Export CPD’. If you click that, it will give you the option to download your CPD record and send the record as a PDF or as a spreadsheet. There is also the option just to click email and enter in your peer’s email address. 

Q: If I do a Zoom meeting with my peer how can I sign off my PDR template?  

A: If you do your PDR through Zoom or another online platform, or even over the phone, then both parties can complete the template and sign it electronically (you can do this by adding your electronic signature if you have one, or simply by typing your name). You must keep this completed document as part of your CPD record and submit to GOsC if we contact you as part of the verification and assurance process. (There’s more about the verification and assurance process in a previous blog I wrote.) 

I hope this has answered some of your burning questions about the PDR but do get in touch if you have other questions about PDR or other aspects of the CPD scheme. I will be continuing to write blogs to help provide further support and guidance, so do check these out if you want more tips in the future and let me know via info@osteopathy.org.uk if there is anything in particular you want me to write about.