As I start on the journey of completing my CQR (Continuing Qualification Requirements), I thought it would be a great opportunity to shed some light on the process and clear up some of the misconceptions that often surround it. In this first post, I'll dive into the history of CQR (and some of the controversy) and explain why the ARRT decided to introduce this requirement.
But that’s not all—I’ll also be sharing my personal experience with the CQR process, providing updates and insights as I navigate through it. So, if you’re interested in learning more about CQR or just want to follow along with my progress, make sure to subscribe to this thread!
Looking forward to taking this journey with you and unraveling the mysteries of CQR together.
Stay tuned!
PART 1:
History of CQR
The ARRT introduced CQR (Continuing Qualification Requirements) to keep up with the fast pace of change in healthcare. Here’s why they felt it was necessary:
- Keeping Up with Advances: Healthcare technology and practices are always evolving. CQR helps ensure that professionals stay updated with the latest tools and methods.
Improving Care and Safety: By requiring ongoing education and evaluations, CQR aims to enhance care quality and patient safety. It helps professionals stay aligned with the best and most current practices.
Encouraging Ongoing Learning: CQR promotes continuous professional growth. It’s about keeping skills sharp and staying on top of developments, rather than just resting on past achievements.
Providing Feedback: CQR gives professionals feedback on their knowledge and skills, helping them identify areas for improvement and guiding their learning.
But CQR has sparked controversy. Many professionals were concerned about the potential for their credentials to be at risk if they didn't perform well. There’s also frustration over the additional costs for CE credits and the inconvenience of the process. So much so, that a petition has even been started to stop it!
Despite the fact that CQR has now been in effect for several years and we know that you can't "fail" and get your credentials revoked, once the rumor mill has started turning, it's very hard to stop. I still have students terrified because of all the bogeyman stories they hear about CQR.
Which is why I think it's important to discuss the CQR process. It isn’t as nearly as daunting as it might seem. It’s designed to be manageable and is a good way to hold us accountable, ensuring that we’re always improving and providing the best care possible. It’s a step towards maintaining high standards in our profession and keeping up with the changes in healthcare.
COMING IN PART 2: Be on the lookout for the next post where I talk about completing my Structured Self Assessment (SSA) and scheduling my exam!