The biggest QI-based CPD mistakes, why retrospective documentation is risky, and how to avoid gaming activities or double-counting hours.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Part of the complete CPD and QI FAQ.
Running the activity but failing to document the reflection or the practice change. Colleges are increasingly asking for evidence of genuine learning, not just activity completion. A cycle with no documented reflection is incomplete CPD.
No, or with caution. The MBA standard requires CPD to be completed within the relevant CPD year. A cycle that genuinely happened in 2025 but was only documented in 2026 is a hard case to defend at audit. Where unavoidable, keep evidence of contemporaneous notes (tally sheets, meeting minutes, data extracts from the original period) to support the late reflection.
Pick topics relevant to your actual patient population. Allow time between cycles to genuinely test change. Be honest in documentation, including failures. Link each activity to a known practice gap, not to a convenient topic.
The CPD home or the MBA can require you to complete additional CPD, can record non-compliance against your registration or can refer the matter to the MBA for further action. Thorough reflection and contemporaneous evidence are the protection.
Yes, with individual documentation. Each GP who participated logs their hours separately with their own reflection on their specific role and learning.
CPD hours are the individual's time; PIP QI is the practice's data submission and QI commitment. They are different programs and you can count both. The risk of double-counting arises only if you claim the same CPD hours against two different CPD activities for the same doctor, which your CPD home's portal will prevent.
Browse all CPD and QI answers · Run a PDSA cycle with a guide
CPD requirements, hour allocations and category structures are set by the MBA, RACGP and ACRRM. The PIP QI measures and payment rates are set by the Department of Health and Aged Care and Services Australia. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant body before finalising your CPD plan. This page is general guidance and does not replace official college or government resources.