Adverse events, critical incidents and near misses are reviewed, managed, and minimised through existing general practice risk management processes. These processes are required for compliance with the  RACGP Standards for general practices (5th edition).  

When these events occur at an accredited training site, involve a registrar, or impact on their training, the RACGP -Standards for General Practice Training 4th edition require these events be reported to the RACGP. Reporting enables appropriate supports provides national oversight of issues impacting registrar, addresses adverse outcomes, prevents harm and improves training quality.

Adverse Event (including critical incident) reporting is a requirement for all accredited training sites and supervisors. This includes Australian General Practice Training (AGPT), Fellowship Support Program (FSP) and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS).

All registrars on training programs (AGPT, FSP, RVTS) and doctors on the specialist program are required to report adverse events (including critical incidents) as soon as practical.

The privacy of those reporting adverse events and incidents is protected, and details entered will only be accessible to agreed RACGP personnel. All adverse event data utilised for quality improvement purposes is de-identified.

Adverse event and Critical incident management and reporting guidance provides direction for managing events involving a registrar and guidelines for reporting. RVTS training sites and registrars please refer to information below. 

Training sites and supervisors will: 

• include risk management processes in orientation for a new registrar placed at the training site 
• on becoming aware of a situation, manage appropriately to support the safety of the registrar and patient 

Registrars, training sites and supervisors will:

• discuss the adverse event, critical incident or significant issue with the RACGP, including outlining the steps undertaken by the registra or training site after becoming aware of the information 
• complete the report –
  • via the TMS portal for AGPT or
  • via the form (Word or PDF) and send the completed report to adverseevents@racgp.org.au 
• ensure adherence to Privacy legislation in submitting reports and attachments.  No patient identifying information should be submitted eg patient name, patient progress notes. If necessary for reporting a deidentified summary of the situation should be submitted.

For further information regarding adverse event reporting, please speak to your training coordinator or contact the RACGP at adverseevents@racgp.org.au