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I recently visited an African research facility where the QA team had successfully developed their own GCP course. The question was asked how this course could be officially recognised. Does anyone know how a set of GCP modules can be assessed and accredited by an external body (international) in order to award CPD points to attendees and to assess and recognise the quality of the training? Access to 'face to face' GCP training is a major issue for many research organisations in the region and it would be fantastic to be able to evaluate this particular course so that, if successful, it could disseminate training with CPD points across countries in East Africa.

  • bmalungu Barbara Malungu - Senior Contributor 18 Feb 2014

    Dear Tamzin,

    Thank you for highlighting this question.

    Carl,

    In Uganda, UNCST (one of the regulatory bodies), reviews the course modules and "gives it a seal of approval" There are several accredited courses in the West. However, I found that elements of the local (African) regulations, such as the community aspects are not addressed. What I suggest is to have your local regulatory body review the course to ensure that it meets their expectations.

    Please feel free to contact me if you have an additional questions.

    Regards,
    Barbara

  • GHN_Editors The Editorial Team 18 Feb 2014

    Dear Carl

    this is an interesting point. I have referred to expert Barbara Malungu and we will await her considerable expertise in this area, but I think that the main thing to consider is, where do these 'CPD' points that you want to attain, come from? If whichever East African country you're in typically recognises CPD points from a certain institution, then probably you'd want to contact that institution for your course. For example, I believe universities could 'accredit' a course for CPD points, but there may be other relevant organisations in your country too. However, perhaps a different approach could be to ask several recognised experts to endorse the course, or several institutions and universities?

    Global Health Trials has its own eLearning centre, and the courses are formally recognised by a number of institutions. This adds credibility but is more flexible than the traditional accreditation approach, which would mean that you'd have accreditation only from a single organisation. Points from the courses can then be used towards your Professional Membersgup Scheme, a free means of recording CPD.

    I hope this helps, and revert to Barbara (and any other readers!) for their expertise.

    Kind regards
    Tamzin