Application of the TRAMM model for continuing professional development

Abstract

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is used to describe the activities pursued by professionals in order to maintain their competence to practice, enhance their knowledge of practice issues and extend their professional expertise (White 2005). It is seen as the systematic maintenance, improvement, broadening of knowledge and skills of developing personal qualities necessary for the execution of personal duties throughout working life (The Chartered Institute of Professional Development, 2000). CPD has been embraced by the College of Occupational Therapists (COT 2007) and is a mandatory requirement of the Health Professions Council (2008). In order to make the most of Continuing Professional Development, it is important for individuals and organisations to have a process which guides both activity and dissemination. The TRAMM (Talk, Record, Action, Mentor and Measure) model was designed in 2009 by a group of students in Glyndwr University, Wrexham during their final level studies. The model aims to provide a framework to guide both individuals and organisations and enable them to maximize the potential of CPD. Feedback from potential users of the model has been invaluable in helping to refine the components and it has continued to develop since its inception. It is now being piloted in x organisations and also by individuals who also have the opportunity to utilise the TRAMM Tracker, a tool for tracking progress with CPD.