MOC 101: Claim credit for reading journals/books
In this article:
- The two objectives you should consider to guide your journal reading documentation.
- The difference between bulk reading and scanning, and what you need to upload in MAINPORT.
- How to tell if your journal club is accredited for Royal College MOC credits.
Reading journal articles or books can help medical professionals stay up-to-date on the latest advances or research in their specialty or, more generally, the medical profession. Articles and books can also be integral to solving practice-based questions. The Royal College recognizes the importance of these activities for Fellows’ continuing professional development. Here are some basics of how to claim credits under the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.
Claim MOC credit for reading journal articles/books
You can claim credit for reading journal articles and books in a number of ways. The simplest way, is to record these activities under Section 2. But, first, consider your objective.
General learning
Each journal article you read that has an impact on your learning or practice can be recorded in Section 2: Self-Learning (Reading or Bulk Reading).
- Use “Reading” if you are recording your reflections on one self-learning activity.
- Use “Bulk” if you are reporting on a number of journal articles you read.
Solving problems
Sometimes, you read journal articles and/or books with the specific objective of answering a question, issue or problem that you have identified in your practice. In these instances, claim credit in Section 2 as a personal learning project (PLP) for 2 credits per hour.
Bulk reading and online scanning options
Bulk options are similar to the “Reading an article” or “Internet searching” options. They allow you to bulk-report your reading and searching for the year as one entry instead of submitting them as separate, individual entries.
Bulk journal reading
Track as you read to make uploading a breeze! Each time you read a journal article, simply jot down the information you need using the Bulk Journal Reading Form. You can find the form in the list of MOC Resources in MAINPORT under “My Dashboard.”
This form helps you track
- article title,
- date you read it (i.e. activity date) and
- learning outcome/impact to your practice (e.g. What did you learn or confirm? What additional learning are you planning to complete? What changes are you planning to implement in your practice?)
When you’re ready to report all your reading activities to MAINPORT ePortfolio, follow these steps:
- Click on “Enter a CPD Activity”
- Select Section 2: Self-Learning Activities
- Choose “Bulk Journal Reading with Transcript” from the dropdown menu
- Enter information for all required fields marked with red asterisks
- Upload your “Bulk Journal Reading Transcript”
You will receive one credit per article read.
Bulk online reading/scanning
You can claim credit for internet search activities conducted through a third-party organization (like Medscape, UpToDate, OrthoEvidence, StatDX, Medscape Tracker, Dynamed, etc.) However, you must upload to MAINPORT ePortfolio both the certificate and transcript/list you received from the third-party organization that tracked your searches.
- Use “Internet searching” if you are entering just one activity.
- Use “Bulk Online Reading/Scanning with Transcript” if you are entering more than one activity.
These activities are recorded in Section 2: Self-Learning Activities where you can receive between 0.25 to 3.0 credits per topic reviewed.
Group learning with journal clubs
Participation in a Royal College-accredited journal club can be recorded as a group learning activity under Section 1 of the MOC Program for one credit per hour.
Journal clubs held in Canada must be accredited by the Royal College before they occur. Journal clubs that are accredited will provide a Royal College accreditation statement on the advertisement for the event. If you’re unsure if the event is accredited, contact the organizer to confirm.
Frequently asked questions about rounds, journal clubs and small groups
If you have more questions or desire personalized support, please contact the Royal College Services Centre: 1-800-461-9598, (613-730-6243 Ottawa region) or cpd@royalcollege.ca
