The Designated Clinical Officer(DCO)/Designated Medical Officer (DMO) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) tool aims to support the development of both DCO and DMO roles. It’s important to recognise that the experience of a new DCO/DMO in the early days of their role is important and can have a positive influence in their journey to becoming a confident and credible practitioner. This tool can support induction through a preceptorship type model that can offer the structured support needed to successfully convert knowledge into everyday practice, and gain confidence.
For DCO/DMOs already in post the CPD tool provides a framework to aid reflection and consider any potential gaps in knowledge and skills at the beginning, at mid-point and after 6 months and beyond. The timeframes to complete the skills/ knowledge required can be agreed between the individual and their line manager as part of continuing professional development and can inform the next steps at appraisals/ PDRs. The collection of evidence of learning can be used to support maintaining the individual's professional registration.