MOC Section 1 Accreditation for Accredited Symposia
Policies, Procedures and Application Form
Revised January 2015
INTRODUCTION
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) is a recognized provider of continuing professional development (CPD) for
the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The CPD
Section 1 Accreditation Application form is developed and maintained by the Continuing Professional Development
Committee of the CCS.
This documents contains the policies and procedures for accredited symposia co-developed between non-physician
organizations and the CCS for the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. Please read this document carefully and fully
complete the application for the accreditation of your educational program.
MANDATORY ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CO-DEVELOPED SECTION 1 APPROVED PROGRAMS
In order for CCS to approve accreditation for a CPD activity under Section 1, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
Educational Activities Co-Developed with Non-Physician Organizations
Non-physician organizations must enter into a co-development relationship with the CCS (or another physician
organization) in order to have their accredited symposium reviewed for MOC Section 1 approval.
When co-developing an event with the CCS, the non-physician organization must contact the CCS before the initial
planning of the Accredited Symposium begins and will participate fully in the activities of the Planning Committee including
needs assessments and program design, implementation, and evaluation. The CCS will then assign a CCS
Representative to sit on the Planning Committee. This CCS representative must have no financial affiliations with the
industry partner co-developing the accredited symposium with the CCS. To maintain impartiality, the CCS Representative
may not present at the educational program that is being developed.
The CCS Representative would participate fully in the activities of the Planning Committee and is responsible for the
following:
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Participating in the Planning Committee from inception to completion of the activity.
Ensuring that the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada (Royal College) guidelines are followed.
Ensuring the event is planned to address identified perceived and unperceived needs of the target audience.
Ensuring that the learning objectives are based on identified educational needs.
Ensuring the event incorporates at least 25% of the total education time to interactive learning strategies.
Ensuring the event includes an evaluation of learning for practice.
Ensuring that there is no undue bias perceived within the educational program.
Ensuring the event is approved under Section 1 must meet the CMA Guidelines governing the relationship
between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry.
Ensuring the event’s budget is appropriate. E.G. no participant flights, accommodations, meals or other expenses
paid for.
The CCS Representative is required to complete an audit form concerning the content development as part of
the application
The CCS will provide the CCS Representative with an honorarium for their work on the Planning Committee.
When co-developing an activity, CCS requires copies of all Planning Committee minutes, conflicts of interest forms,
promotional notices, on-site handouts, event materials, and website links related to the activity.
The CCS will keep records of the CPD activity (e.g., program materials, registration list of attendees, and a copy of the
evaluation summary).
The CCS will issue certificates of attendance to participants of all co-developed activities. The CCS is responsible for the
distribution of all honoraria for all co-developed activities.
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MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA FOR ALL MOC SECTION 1 APPROVED PROGRAMS
The following educational criteria must be incorporated within the educational activity in order to meet the requirements for
accreditation:
Criteria 1: Planning Committee
The Planning Committee must be representative of the intended target audience in order to ensure the relevance and
value of the learning activity for the participants.
Only those representing the target audience may be members of the Planning Committee. No staff from the sponsoring
organization may participate as members of the Scientific Planning Committee.
The Planning Committee must have a minimum of three (3) members.
Criteria 2: Needs Assessment
In order to develop activities that facilitate learning, it is essential that the planning committee implement a formal needs
assessment strategy to enable the identification of the target audience's perceived and unperceived learning needs. By
determining these needs, the planning committee will be able to establish general and event specific learning objectives to
ensure that selected topics are relevant to the target audience. Click here for needs assessment information,
Criteria 3: Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives must be derived from the identified perceived and unperceived needs of the target audience.
Learning objectives are observable and measurable behaviors that need to demonstrate a change in knowledge, skills or
attitudes of the learner at the end of the program.
This can be done by framing the learning objectives in the following manner: “At the end of this program participants will
be able to:” This sentence can then be followed by learning objectives based on action verbs. You can find these action
verbs and other important information regarding learning objectives at the Royal College website at the following link:
Click here for learning objectives information.
The learning objectives must be printed on the program brochure and all handout materials.
Criteria 4: Interactivity.
The development of the educational format should be designed to best present the content developed. For example, for
controversial material, a debate may be an appropriate format. For content based on interprofessional issues, small group
breakout groups may be appropriate. For skills development simulation or performance assessment activities may be
appropriate.
At least 25% of the educational time for the presentation (that is, 15 minutes per hour) should be given over to discussion
and interaction.
Criteria 5: Evaluation
The event must include an evaluation of the established learning objectives and provide opportunities for participants to
identify what they have learned and its potential impact for their practice.
As each program may differ in scope, evaluation forms may need to be modified to receive the best information
from your target audience. The CCS is pleased to provide a template of an evaluation form for your use.
Criteria 6: Ethics & Finance
All faculty/speakers, moderators, and members of the Planning Committee must complete and submit Conflict of Interest
Forms to be submitted along with this application.
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The applicant will ensure that any potential conflicts of interest are declared by the faculty/speakers, moderators, and
members of the Planning Committee and are conveyed to the respective audience within the printed/online program and
as a second slide as part of the presentation. The second slide should be displayed for an appropriate amount of time for
participants to read.
No members of industry may participate on the Planning Committee.
Any financial assistance provided to reimburse physicians or their families for attending an educational event would result
in non-approval of this application.
Honoraria must be paid through the CCS.
POLICIES FOR THE USE OF THE CCS ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS
No reference may be made to the CCS or its CPD approval system prior to the actual notification that Section 1
accreditation has been granted. Do not state “MOC/CPD accreditation pending” or similar wording in any preliminary
documentation relating to the learning activity.
Once the educational program has been accredited, the accreditation statements and co-development statement must be
incorporated within all program publications and advertisements.
Please note that prior to publication/printing all documents including a CCS logo must be pre-approved by the CCS.
Accreditation Statement for Co-Developed Accredited Symposia
This event is an accredited group learning activity under Section 1 as defined by the Royal College of Physicians &
Surgeons of Canada for the Maintenance of Certification program. It is approved by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society
for a maximum of << >> credits. This {name of program} was co-developed with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and
{name of co-developing organization} and was planned to ensure the evidence presented is valid, objective and balanced.
Through an agreement between the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Medical
Association, physicians may convert Royal College MOC credits to AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Information on the
process to convert Royal College MOC credit to AMA credit can be found at www.ama-assn.org/go/internationalcme
ACCREDITATION FEE SCHEDULE AND HONORARIA DISTRIBUTION PROCESS
Accreditation Fee
Non-Physician Organizations $7,500 + HST
Honoraria Distribution Process
Honoraria Payment Process to be followed after each iteration of the accredited event:
1. All honoraria recipients must complete the CCS Honorarium Form.
2. The CCS also requires the CCS Honorarium Disbursement Form that lists all of the honoraria to be paid, with
amounts (including applicable taxes). Taxes are based on the province in which the recipient resides.
3. Completed Honorarium and Honorarium Disbursement forms must be submitted to the CCS by July 13, 2015.
4. Upon receipt of the required forms, CCS will issue an invoice for the total amount.
5. Deadline for payment of honoraria invoice is August 17, 2015.
6. Once this invoice is paid, the honoraria cheques will be processed and sent for distribution prior to Congress.
(All required forms are located on the Cardiocongress website: www.cardiocongress.org
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CPD SECTION 1 ACCREDITATION APPLICATION FORM
FOR ACCREDITED SYMPOSIA
(Please complete the following form and return to the CCS along with all supporting documentation)
Please ensure that the application is complete and contains all the information and the signatures required. Incomplete applications
may lead to a delay in the accreditation process.
The information contained in the application shall be the product of the Planning Committee Chair, who shall be responsible and
accountable for compliance with the requirements for approval. The CCS reserves the right to request additional information to assist
in the review.
Accredited Symposia Information:
Title of the Accredited Symposium:
Date(s) of the Accredited Symposium:
Name of the Chair of the Planning Committee:
Mailing Address:
Email:
Phone:
Name of communication firm planning the Accredited Symposium (If applicable):
Mailing Address:
Email:
Phone:
List all organizations co-developing this Accredited Symposium:
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Criteria 1: Planning Committee
Please enter below the names and specialty/health profession of your Planning Committee
Only those representing the target audience may be members of the Planning Committee. No members from Industry
may participate as members of the Planning Committee. The Planning Committee must have a minimum of three (3)
members.
Name
Specialty
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Target Audience: Who comprises the target audience for this activity? Please check all that apply.
Academic cardiologists
Electrophysiologists
Radiologists
Cardiac anesthetists
General practitioners
Researchers
Cardiac surgeons
Internists
Trainees
Cardiac technicians & nurses
Interventional cardiologists
Cardiologists
Clinical cardiologists
Neurologists
Echo cardiologists
Pediatric cardiologists
Criteria 2: Needs Assessment
How were the perceived learning needs of the target audience identified? Identify both subjective data (e.g. personal
requests, observations, questionnaires/surveys, focus groups, evaluation forms and objective data (e.g. practice
information, literature surveys, clinical practice guidelines and experience).
How were the unperceived learning needs of the target audience identified? Unperceived needs are educational needs
that participants are unaware that they need to address. (e.g. assessment of physician performance from hospitals,
provincial or national databases, self-assessment programs, chart reviews, 360 degree assessments, case scenarios,
practice audits and/or quality improvement activities)
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Criteria 3: Learning objectives
How were the identified needs of the target audience utilized in the creation/development of the learning objectives?
Do the learning objectives express what the participants will be able achieve by participating in the events?
Yes
No
How are the learning objectives linked to the evaluation strategies for the learning activity? For example, does the
evaluation form list the learning objectives or pose questions to the participants about whether the learning objectives
were met?
Criteria 4: Educational Format and Interactivity
At least 25% of the educational time for the presentation (that is, 15 minutes per hour) should be given over to discussion
and interaction.
What educational format will be used for the presentation (For example: symposium, workshop, role-playing, debate,
discussion group, use of A/V such as interactive pads, etc?)
Does the activity design formally incorporate opportunities for interactive learning using planned discussion periods or
small group interactive sessions?
Yes
No
Does the course design formally include opportunities for participants to receive feedback on their learning using a written
test, touch pad system, or other tests of skills acquired?
Yes
No
Criteria 5: Evaluation
As each program may differ in scope, evaluation forms may need to be modified to receive the best information from your
target audience. The CCS is pleased to provide a template of an evaluation form for your use.
Should you wish to create your own evaluation form, please ensure that the following questions are incorporated:
Thinking about the session you just completed, please indicate to what degree you agree with each statement
using this rating scale: (1-Strongly Disagree; 2-Disagree; 3-Neither Agree nor Disagree; 4-Agree; 5-Strongly Agree)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The program met my educational expectations 1 2 3 4
I was provided adequate time interaction. (minimum 25% of session) 1 2 3 4
I did not perceive any sources of commercial bias during the program 1 2 3 4
If you perceived any sources of commercial bias in the program, please explain:
From what you learned, what will you be able to apply to your practice?
What future topics would support you in your practice?
Are individual presenters and/or presentations evaluated?
Yes
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No
Are individual presenters provided with the results of the evaluations?
Yes
No
Does the evaluation strategy intend to measure improved participant performance?
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below the tools or strategies used.
Does the evaluation strategy intend to measure improved health care outcomes? If yes, please describe below
the tools or strategies used.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below the tools or strategies used.
Will the participants receive feedback related to their learning?
Yes
No
Criteria 6: Ethics and Finance
Describe the process by which the topics, content and speakers were selected for this event.
Describe the process to ensure validity and objectivity of the content for this event.
Describe how conflict of interest information is collected and disclosed to participants (printed in program, slides
within presentation). Please provide a copy of all conflict of interest forms from faculty and Planning Committee
members along with this application.
Describe any mechanisms in place to resolve potential conflicts of interest.
Describe the process to advocate speakers' adherence to using generic rather than trade names of medications
and/or devices included within all presentations or written materials.
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ACCREDITED SYMPOSIUM OUTLINE
IMPORTANT NOTE: Program Information provided in this section of the form will be used as the CCC Final
Programme text. Accredited Symposium topic outline changes will not be permitted following Section 1 accreditation.
Title of Program:
Chair(s)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Please list the learning objectives for individual sessions during this learning activity? (If applicable)
1)
2)
3)
4)
Faculty
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
Presenter Name (first/last name)
Presenter City,Province/State
Presenter Institution
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Supporting Documentation Checklist
Please use the checklist below to ensure you complete and submit all the necessary documentation. The submission of
an incomplete accreditation application may lead to delays in the accreditation process.
All required forms can be found on the CCS Website: http://ccs.ca/index.php/en/professional-development/accreditationinformation
Checklist of supporting documents to be submitted for Accredited Symposia Accreditation
Needs assessment documentation (If available, please attach summaries of surveys, group meetings, interviews etc. If an
audit or test instrument was used, please attach a copy as well as a summary of the results.)
Planning committee minutes
Event schedule/program (A full program must be provided including presentation titles, presenter's names and times
indicating discussion periods.)
Evaluation form/tool
Completed program budget
Conflict of interest forms for planning committee and faculty/speakers
Important Upcoming Dates for Accredited Symposia Accreditation
Approval Final Programme Listing: June 15, 2015
Receive notification of Section 1 accreditation approval: July 6, 2015
Completed faculty honorarium forms: July 13, 2015
Completed honoraria disbursement form: July 13, 2015
Link or pdf for Accredited Symposia e-bulletin for approval: August 4, 2015
Submit delegate bag inserts for approval (if different from submission in E-Bulletin): August 4, 2015
Submit promotional brochures/mail outs for approval: August 4, 2015
Submit all faculty presentations and onsite handouts for approval: September 25, 2015
Submit attendee list and evaluation summaries: November 9, 2015
Thank you for completing the CPD Section 1 Accreditation Application Form. We wish
you the greatest success with your accredited symposium!
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