IPCAA position statement on CME

The IPCAA (International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association) fully acknowledges the benefits of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.

This is clearly in the interests of all concerned in the healthcare sector, particularly the patients, who have the right to expect the healthcare professionals with whom they come into contact to be up to date in their training, knowledge, clinical skills and available treatments.

IPCAA believes that the communication and dissemination of scientific developments and data (for example via meetings, courses, websites and other events), are key to ensuring that medical practitioners are provided with all possible opportunities to avail themselves of the means to continue their professional education and development.
The healthcare industry has a role to play in facilitating the acquisition of unbiased and evidence-based knowledge and new skills by HCPs, and by supporting vehicles through which training and learning are offered to maintain, drive and enhance medical science and practice.

IPCAA will continue to discuss the appropriate positioning of industry’s role and functions in such activities, in discussion with the relevant official bodies. In addition, the Association will continue to encourage its members to actively provide CME activities when organising their own events

Anna Frick, President
May 2009