Milestone

Fellowship

Last updated 13 September 2022
Open all sections

Instructions

Expand each role using the menu on the left to reveal its capabilities. Clicking on each capability on the left will show the associated competencies on the right hand side. These can then be expanded to provide more detail on the required knowledge, skills and attributes.

Compare competencies of the roles at different milestones

10. Maintain legal and duty of care responsibilities

Know

  • Understand the GP’s responsibilities regarding:
    • mandatory reporting
    • child abuse/neglect
    • communicable diseases
    • an impaired colleague
    • involuntary admission to a psychiatric institution under a mental health act
    • medical power of attorney and guardianship
    • capacity for consent for mature minors, Gillick competence and individuals who may have impaired capacity for refusal of treatment and testamentary capacity
    • occupational injuries covered by workers compensation
    • subpoenaed medical records
    • reportable deaths criteria and death and cremation certification
    • fitness to drive certification
    • work certificates and capacity to work certification
    • medical reports for criminal proceedings
    • advance care directives
    • voluntary assisted dying
    • drugs and poisons requirements (particularly Schedule 8 medications and, in some states and territories, notifying of individuals who are drug dependent).

Do

  • Sensitively and diplomatically manage mandatory and voluntary reporting responsibilities, including:
    • using clear communication to explain to the affected person(s) and/or family and/or carers what the rationale is for the report, what the information in the report will be used for and the next steps for the individual, including options that they may have to challenge the outcome of the notification or report, and the contact details of the relevant body that they may appeal to, if appropriate
    • providing ongoing support and follow-up to manage any consequences that may arise.
Open all sections

Instructions

Expand each role using the menu on the left to reveal its capabilities. Clicking on each capability on the left will show the associated competencies on the right hand side. These can then be expanded to provide more detail on the required knowledge, skills and attributes.

Compare competencies of the roles at different milestones

11. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct

Know

  • Understand the resources and support structures that are available to assist in managing significant ethical issues that can occur in general practice (competency 11.3.1). These include:
    • medical defence organisations
    • consulting with experienced colleagues
    • de-identified case discussions in clinic meetings or small group learning contexts
    • practice policy on issues such as acceptance of gifts.

Do

Do

  • Provide support and/or referral for external medical and/or psychological treatment for colleagues in difficulty.
  • Encourage colleagues to have their own GP and to access appropriate support for their physical and mental health.
  • Recognise need to provide support after distressing experiences (competency 11.4.3).
  • Maintain duty of care when colleagues lack insight or have reduced capacity to practice; maintain professional boundaries. For example, avoid prescribing medication for colleagues or providing medical opinions about their health.
  • Identify colleagues who may be in difficulty; for example, experiencing mental health problems, bullying, personality issues (eg narcissistic personality disorder), substance use or physical health problems.
  • Be aware of mandatory reporting responsibilities if a colleague is conducting themselves in a way that meets the notification guidelines, specifically if they may be placing the public at risk (eg practising while intoxicated, engaging in sexual misconduct, placing patients at risk due to an impairment, practising in a way that is a significant departure from professional standards).

Know

  • Understand that mentoring is typically beneficial for both the mentor and the mentee; understand the skills that are relevant in developing effective mentor–mentee relationships.
  • Recognise that many professionals experience a range of emotional responses following a critical incident, and that informal debriefing or ‘touching base’ is an important part of stress management for health professionals.

Do

  • Avoid blaming any individual.
  • Identify any processes or barriers in the clinical environment that may have contributed to a distressing experience, to inform quality improvement strategies.

Be

  • Be compassionate, respectful and empathic.
Open all sections

Instructions

Expand each role using the menu on the left to reveal its capabilities. Clicking on each capability on the left will show the associated competencies on the right hand side. These can then be expanded to provide more detail on the required knowledge, skills and attributes.

Compare competencies of the roles at different milestones

12. Use self-reflection to deliver quality care and to enhance and maintain self-care practices

Do

  • Establish structures to support reflection on own professional performance and ethical conduct compared with peers and colleagues, and identify areas for improvement.
  • Incorporate these into learning plans.

Be

  • Be self-reflective and committed to ongoing learning and personal development.

Know

  • Know the challenges of working in geographic and professional isolation, including working in rural and remote areas, after hours or in solo practice.
  • Recognise the impacts of professional isolation on delivery of safe patient care and perosnal health and wellbeing.

Do

  • Actively plan and implement plans to manage professional isolation, such as through the support of colleagues or other professionals as required, personal wellbeing strategies, and plans to integrate into local communities.

Be

  • Be self-aware and proactive.
PROVIDE FEEDBACK