6 June 2022
Notice of RACGP policy and guidance document update
This notice is to advise that the RACGP has updated the PEP – Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment Policy and A guide to completing the PEP Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment Guidance document. The continuous professional development (CPD) requirements as part of the Practice Experience Program Specialist Stream comparability assessment are now more prescriptive to ensure applicants demonstrate adequate depth and breadth of experience in clinical general practice. The policy is reflective of the changes made to the guidance document.
The updated PEP – Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment Policy and A guide to completing the PEP Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment guidance document replace the previous versions and will come into effect immediately
What has changed?
There have been a number of changes to the documents Please see the below table:
| Change |
Rationale |
Implications |
| A guide to completing the PEP Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment guidance document |
Clause 3.3.4 now states CPD hours must have a general practice focus and cannot exceed 10 hours of CPD per day and 20 hours in each CPD area. We also detail the appropriate evidence to support your application.
|
The amended CPD requirements are designed to ensure applicants demonstrate an adequate depth and breadth of experience across a variety of topics relevant to clinical general practice. Previously the guidance around CPD has been limited, allowing more than 24 hours of CPD to be listed in a single day and permitted hours in non-clinical topics. |
New applicants for comparability assessments must adhere to these new CPD requirements and have more information on suitable evidence to meet these.
|
| After 1 July 2022, applicants will not be able to elect to complete a Clinical Audit in place of ten Clinical Case Analyses. |
The RACGP assessed data on submissions of Clinical Audits and found many did not meet the requirements of evidence for CPD. Therefore, we are removing this as an option to provide clarity for applicants and reduce delays as unsatisfactory applications are returned.
|
Applicants will no longer be able to complete a Clinical Audit. |
| Clause 3.4.c has been added stating that Registrars will receive a Summary of Preliminary Review (SPR) once their application has been reviewed and will be given the opportunity to respond to requests to clarify or supply additional information. |
We have made the SPR a formal process rather than the previous informal communication between the RACGP and the applicant for more information. |
This is beneficial for both the RACGP and applicants in ensuring there is a formal documented process for clarifying or supplying additional information to an application. |
| Practice Experience Program – Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment Policy |
| The RACGP has updated the Practice Experience Program – Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment Policy to reflect the changes to CPD requirements as detailed in the guidance document. |
As above |
As above |
When do the changes take place?
The changes to policy take place immediately.
Where can I view the documents?
The revised policy can be accessed here. The revised guidance document can be accessed here.
All policies can be accessed via the Fellowship Pathways Policy Framework.
What if I have questions?
If you have any enquiries relating to the updated policy, please contact educationpolicy@racgp.org.au.