Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients in General Practice

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Clinical audit quality improvement activity

This audit aims to identify, with the use of existing medical record software, the proportion of patients who have been recorded as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin and enable a review of the accuracy of these records. The audit process will allow GPs to implement strategies to ensure that their practice routinely and effectively identifies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, and consequently provide GPs with the opportunity to improve the provision of appropriately targeted, high quality care for them.

On completion of this audit, participants will be able to:

• identify the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in the practice’s patient population compared with that in the local area
• recognise the importance to quality care of accurate recording of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
• develop strategies for improving the routine recording of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status of the patient population and implement these processes in their practice
• evaluate the impact of the new processes on the accurate recording of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
• consider ways to improve the quality of care delivered to identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

This quality improvement activity is eligible for 40 Category 1 QI&CPD points in the RACGP QI&CPD program and has been developed by the RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.