Accreditations and CPD

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			Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng) Centre Accreditation has been awarded to Smith+Nephew and is the highest level of accreditation. It is seen as a kite-mark of excellence and demonstrates external validation of the Medical Education training that we provide. Selected content on our Smith+Nephew Academy Online is accredited and allocates CPD points for Continuing Medical Education purposes, which are recognised internationally, with conditions. Full completion of accredited online medical education activities is required to receive certificate.  Your feedback is highly appreciated as Smith+Nephew Medical Education focuses on continuous improvement.

Receiving Accreditation from the RCSEng enables course providers to join a very select group of centres that have demonstrated excellence in surgical education provision. As a delegate participating in an accredited educational activity, you can be reassured that you are partaking in something that is recognised for its quality. 

The benefits of Centre Accreditation include:

1. Rigorous clinical and professional QA review
   The accreditation review process includes a multidisciplinary team of experts from surgical specialists from within the Specialist Advisory Committees, Surgical Tutors and the RCSEng Council. These represent the surgeons who are elected by the membership are operating at the very elite of the profession. In addition to the accreditation panel members, the RCSEng seeks expert advice and support from a Quality Assurance Operational Group which is also comprised of Council members from the range of specialities. 
2. Multiple tier review
   The process begins with a desktop assessment by a panel of experts. At this stage the RCSEng panel identify any areas that require further clarification and/or development. If successful, it then involves sampling of the content including a visit to the institution involving, where possible: a visit to the course, interviews with teaching Faculty, Clinical and Education leads, Programme Administrators and delegates. 
3. Independent verification
   Many of Commercial centres require external validation for their programmes to ensure integrity and benchmarking against an internationally accepted standard. It also demonstrates that the training is balanced and not designed to promote any products without sound scientific principles.
4. Compliance and risk management
   The RCSEng recognise that a significant proportion of consultants’ training is likely to involve industry or commercially developed training. The accreditation has helped a number of providers with their compliance and risk management requirements. Having leading experts from outside the organisation helps provide a critical review and the reassurance of alignment to a standards framework from a recognised body.
5. Quality improvement
   The accreditation journey does not stop at the point of approval. It represents the beginning of a continuous improvement journey. The clinical visits and the monitoring of the feedback supports this conversation. 
6. Continuous Professional Development
   All accredited courses are allocated CPD points for Continuing Medical Education purposes, which are recognised internationally. The RCS has an understanding with similar organisations in other countries, especially in pan-European countries where there is a recognition of CPD activities In line with the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) recommendations, one CPD/CME point can be claimed per hour of educational activity up to a maximum of six CPD/CME points per day. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (of which the RCSEng is a constituent member) is the national awarding body for the medical sector in the UK and has adopted this recommendation..