General Practice Vocational Training Standards

Following the endorsement of the RACGP VT Standards by the College Council at the end of 2012, the pilot phase of the implementation plan has begun. This has been a long journey starting with the vision of an outcomes-based standards framework that follows international best practice. After long negotiations with multiple stakeholders, the RACGP VT Standards were drafted then endorsed. But this is just the beginning of the process. In 2013 the new standards will be put to the test.

RTPs are invited to submit projects that will address the new standards while still upholding the quality and safety of the 2005 Standards.

Pilot projects will run throughout 2013 and the information gained will be invaluable in exploring the many different ways in which College standards can be applied to a variety of training contexts.

A key project for 2013 is the development of a comprehensive User’s Guide that will support RTPs interpret and apply the RACGP VT Standards. A draft version was developed in 2012 and will be refined and added to during 2013. A project advisory group (PAG) consisting of representatives of the College Council, Board of Censors, RTP CEOs, RTP Directors of Training, General Practice Registrars Association (GPRA) and National General Practice Supervisors Association (NGPSA) has been appointed to lead this important task. Information gained from the pilot projects will also be incorporated into the User’s Guide to bring the RACGP VT Standards to life.

The governance of implementing the RACGP VT Standards has been entrusted to a Program Review Committee (PRC) consisting of representatives of the College Council, Board of Censors and National Standing Committee on Education (NSC-Ed). One of the important roles that the PRC will undertake is assessing and approving the pilot projects. The application process is straightforward and the RTP will be kept informed as to the progress of their pilot application.

If you are interested in providing suggestions or feedback during the pilot year, please contact us by email vtstandards@racgp.org.au.