4. Clinical management and therapeutic reasoning

This competency concerns the management of common, serious, urgent and chronic medical conditions encountered in general practice. Aspects of care beyond managing simple consultations (including management of comorbidity and uncertainty) are incorporated. The management plan is patient-centred at all times. Therapeutic reasoning includes the steps taken based on the problem list, or likely diagnosis that has been developed and is a part of the clinical reasoning process.

Criteria

1. Demonstrates knowledge of common therapeutic agents, uses, dosages, adverse effects and potential drug interactions and ability to prescribe safely
2. Rational prescribing is undertaken
3. Monitors for medication side-effects and risks of polypharmacy
4. Outlines and justifies the therapeutic options selected, basing this on the patient’s needs and the problem list identified
5. Safely prescribes restricted medications using appropriate permits
6. Non-pharmacological therapies are offered and discussed
7. A patient-centered and comprehensive management plan is developed
8. Provides effective explanations, education and choices to the patient

6. Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to develop meaningful and holistic management plans
7. Identify and use professional resources to assist with delivery of best practice care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
8. Identify and incorporate social and cultural determinants of health into management plans

4. Link into existing networks of health professionals in rural and remote settings