About the program
The RACGP QI&CPD Program for the 2011-2013 triennium aims to assist Australian GPs to maintain and improve the quality of care they provide to patients and promote care to the community of the highest possible standard.
Objectives
- provide GPs with opportunities and support to participate in quality improvement activities that lead to improved health outcomes to patients and the community
- embed the concept and value of QI into general practice
- assist and encourage GPs to fulfill their personal and vocational continual professional development needs
- credit GP involvement in QI&CPD
- evaluate the effectiveness of the QI&CPD Program
- ensure the delivery of effective QI&CPD activities
- promote the attributes of the QI&CPD Program to GPs and relevant stakeholders.
Change for the better Progressing quality care through professional development
The success of the internationally recognised RACGP continuing professional development program is due to the central role of the general practice profession in its design, development and ongoing review.
As well as streamlining the program administration for participants, the new triennium will focus on quality improvement activities in continuing professional development.
Professional advice and a growing body of evidence demonstrates that quality improvement activities lead to practices changing for the better, particularly when it involves a whole of practice team approach. The change to the name of the program to the Quality Improvement & Continuing Professional Development (QI&CPD) Program directly reflects a continuing commitment to an emphasis on quality improvement.
Who can participate in QI&CPD Program?
There are increasing reasons for GPs to participate in the QI&CPD Program and complete ongoing CPD activities, regardless of their recognition status with Medicare Australia, and these include:
- From October, 2010 AHPRA require all medical practitioners who are engaged in any form of medical practice to participate regularly in continuing professional development (CPD) that is relevant to their scope of practice (AHPRA, May 2011)
- demonstration of ongoing QI&CPD participation provides evidence for medical defence organisations and other indemnity organisations
- general practitioners who are involved in the practice accreditation process are required to demonstrate their participation in ongoing CPD
- general practitioners seeking visiting medical officer credentials with local hospitals, particularly in rural areas are increasingly required to produce evidence of ongoing CPD
- general practitioners who practice and claim ‘R-type’ radiology services, are required to participate in ongoing CPD to comply with legislative requirements
- GPs who have a requirement with other colleges to maintain recognition of particular skills or qualifications such as Women’s Health, Anaesthesia, Surgery, Radiology, Mental Health, Medical Acupuncture and Breast Medicine.
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Publication date: Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Authorised by: QI&CPD