An update on the RACGP Expert Committees
The RACGP has received an overwhelming show of enthusiasm from members to become critical components of the seven RACGP Expert Committees (RECs), formerly known as the National Standing Committees. These committees are the ‘think tanks’ of our college and the quality of applicants reflects our increased sense of purpose and collegiality.
The seven RECs are: Pre Fellowship Education, Post Fellowship Education, Quality Care, Research, General Practice Advocacy and Funding, eHealth and Practice Systems, and Standards for General Practices.
RECs form the foundation of work undertaken by the RACGP, which includes the development of national positions on a multitude of issues affecting front line GPs. The groups are tasked with the provision of critical information and opinion (clinical and non-clinical), reflecting members’ views, and the evidence base for decision-making, to which National Council can make informed determination.
The RACGP thanks each and every one of you who took the time to express interest in playing an active role in the work of your professional home – the RACGP.
Due to the unprecedented number of submissions, the decision-making process will take slightly longer than anticipated. All nominees can expect to be advised of an outcome in September 2015.
Dr Frank R Jones
RACGP President
RACGP launches Competency Profile consultation process
The RACGP has launched a consultation process for the Competency Profile of the Australian general practitioner at the point of Fellowship. The consultation aims to ensure the Competency Profile accurately describes the skills and knowledge that a GP obtaining Fellowship should possess.
All stakeholders are invited to comment and provide input on the Competency Profile and can do so by visiting the RACGP website. Comments and suggestions will be considered and, where appropriate, incorporated into the final version of the Competency Profile to be endorsed by RACGP Council.
Supporting GPs with changes to Medicines Australia Code of Conduct
From 1 October 2015, the 18th edition of Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct will require payments made to healthcare professionals from pharmaceutical companies be disclosed online to the public for the first time. Medicines Australia has developed a series of FAQs and a fact sheet to assist GPs with these changes.
The new Code requires member companies from Medicines Australia to report when a company pays a healthcare professional for their service, or provides financial support for a healthcare professional to engage in education, including airfares, accommodation and conference registration fees. There will be a 12-month transition period and mandatory reporting will start in October 2016.
RACGP Clinical Pearl – physical activity to help prevent falls in older adults
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. The risk of falls increases as you age, with approximately 30% of people in the community over the age of 65 experiencing a fall annually. Around 10% of falls in those over the age of 65 result in a fracture.
Physical activity has shown to be the most promising falls prevention strategy. Multiple-component exercise programs focusing on balance retraining and muscle strengthening can reduce fall risk and increase the time before a person falls for the first time. Care must be taken with exercises, including those that challenge balance. Exercises need to be performed in ways that minimise the risk of falling. People with a higher falls risk may benefit from exercising in smaller groups and closer supervision.
For more information and examples of recommended exercises that challenge balance, visit the RACGP’s Handbook of Non-Drug Interventions (HANDI).