The Remote Vocational Training Scheme(RVTS)
The RVTS has been initiated by the Federal Department of Health and Aging, primarily to help address the health service needs in remote communities of Australia. The RVTS was the first policy initiative of the Joint Venture Board between Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the RACGP.
The RVTS provides a supported vocational training program by distance education that is specific to the future needs of the registrars and the remote communities in which they practice. This is done through providing a distance education and remote supervision in a comprehensive integrated program to registrars in remote settings throughout Australia. These remote settings were identified as having a health service need.
Eleven registrars from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria commenced the program on 4th January 2000.
The purpose of this first intake, was to pilot an alternative training pathway, with remote supervision and distance education, for recent graduates who have already made a commitment to an isolated or remote community. This includes those circumstances where that community would be left without any doctor able to provide general practice services if they had to leave to undertake the RACGP Training Program.
This program has now moved from its pilot phase and is recognised as a training pathway by the RACGP.
How the RVTS Differs From the Standard Training Program
- In the RVTS, the registrars are in a remote practice (or rural hospital) for the duration of training. The training is provided by a distance education program that maximises the use of modern information technology and the principles of adult education.
- The program is tailored to the individual registrar with their learning facilitated through providing a service to a remote isolated community. More support is provided for the service provision whilst the training process is as robust as the standard training program. Assessment is an integral component of the program, which reflects the learning process and is relevant to day to day remote practice knowledge, skills and attitudes.
- Emphasis on community involvement is a key feature of the RVTS. Community clinical needs analysis, health education, research and projects are incorporated into the program. Of vital importance is the community support for the RVTS registrar and supervisor.
- RVTS program gives particular emphasis to population health, clinical and community leadership in remote medical practice.
For more information please contact the RVTS CEO Dr Pat Giddings:
RVTS
PO Box 37
ALBURY NSW 2640
Ph: 02 6021 6235
Fax: 02 6041 5149
Email: info@rvts.org.au
Website: www.rvts.org.au