Main navigation

check Program

The RACGP check Program is one of the longest running and most successful self education programs in the history of Australian general practice.

check (continuous home evaluation of clinical knowledge) is an independent learning program and quality assurance and continuing professional development activity (QA&CPD), published monthly from January to December each year.

The program provides a range of cases written by expert clinicians. Each case includes a brief clinical scenario followed by a series of questions designed to bring out the important issues for general practitioners to consider in the clinical history, examination, investigation and/or management of a problem.

The layout of the publication allows participants to answer all questions before checking the answers on the following page.

Also included at the end of each unit are references, and web based and community resources relating to the topic to assist GPs in their learning activities and patient care.

The check Program provides participants the opportunity to:

• obtain both category 1 and 2 points
• learn at a time of their own choosing
• participate in activities both in their own practice and in the wider community that will enhance their learning experience
• address individual learning needs in particular topic areas
• consider all the domains of general practice in their learning.

Using check as a QA&CPD activity in the 2008–2010 triennium

The RACGP QA&CPD Program aims to assist GPs to maintain and improve the quality of care they provide to patients and promote the highest possible standards of care to the community. General practitioners are encouraged to undertake a range of different activities, covering all five domains of general practice to address their individual needs. The minimum point requirement is 130 points over a triennium period (3 years), incorporating at least two Category 1 activities and completion of a basic CPR course.

In order to assist our participants meet their QA&CPD commitments for the 2008–2010 triennium and to meet their personal learning needs, check offers an opportunity to attain both Category 1 and 2 points.

Category 1 points

At the end of each unit, participants have the opportunity to participate in an active learning module (ALM). In order to qualify for 40 Category 1 QA&CPD points for each ALM, participants are required to:

• undertake a predisposing activity
• read and complete the relevant check unit
• undertake one practice based activity and one community based activity listed, and
• complete in the reinforcing activity and evaluation summary form, and submit to the program coordinator.

The check Program coupled with the resources can form the basis of discussions for small group learning (SGL) or supervised clinical attachment (SCA) activities with GPs in their practice or with specialists / allied health workers in their local area.

Participation in either of these modules as defined in the RACGP QA&CPD Program handbook attracts an additional 40 Category 1 points. SGL and SCA kits are available with instructions on the RACGP website or by contacting a program coordinator at your state QA&CPD unit.

Category 2 points

Successfully completing the check on check test in the December unit and submitting an evaluation summary attracts 30 Category 2 points. The pass rate is 85% or more.

Please note points for completing check programs before 2008 cannot be allocated to the 2008–2010 triennium under any circumstances.

Domains of general practice

The expertise required for high quality general practice is covered by five domains:

• communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship
• applied professional knowledge and skills
• population health and the context of general practice
• professional and ethical role
• organisation and legal dimensions.

Although the focus of check is on applied professional knowledge and skills, each unit of check and the list of associated activities include relevant aspects of the other domains. Domain icons are placed next to each case question to identify the domains addressed as participants complete check.

Subscriptions and orders

Programs are available in print and CD formats and can be ordered via the order forms below or by calling the subscription coordinator on 03 8699 0495.

1999–2007 programs are sold at reduced prices.

Publication Date: 30 January 2008
Authorised By: Publications