November 2015

The Federal Government’s  announcement of a new mental health reform package  was greeted with enthusiasm by some health professionals. However, for general practice, there remain many questions to be addressed to ensure continuity of quality mental health care for our patients. The package will see money redirected from current services – including Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS), Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centres (EPPIC), Headspace service delivery and the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) – and given...

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has  cautiously welcomed a report  on healthcare variation in Australia, while warning that it does not provide information on health outcomes. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s  Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation , launched by Health Minister Sussan Ley on Thursday 26 November, presents a picture of substantial variation in healthcare use across the country, in areas such as antibiotic prescribing, surgical, mental health and diagnostic services. RAC...

he RACGP National Faculty of Specific Interests is pleased to announce the establishment of the Environmental Impacts in General Practice network. The purpose of the network is to promote understanding of the impacts of climate change on health, and encourage debate and discussion among GPs on the health issues arising from this global phenomenon. Governments and other policy makers tend to look at climate change in isolation. The objectives of the Environmental Impacts in General Practice network are to broaden the conversation and examine and pro...

To provide increased support to candidates throughout their assessment journey, the RACGP is progressing a number of key initiatives.  Examination data collected over several years has illustrated that candidates have a significantly increased likelihood of passing their exams on their first attempt than any subsequent attempts. Appropriate preparation (including access to quality support materials and advice) and readiness to sit the exams have been identified as vital components of a successful outcome. In the coming months the RACGP will publish...

The RACGP has united with Australia and New Zealand’s peak medical colleges and health bodies to support the  White Ribbon Day  campaign to end men’s violence against women on Wednesday 25 November – the  International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women . Violence against women is a widespread issue in Australia and New Zealand. Although often unspoken, reported rates are high in both countries, with up to a third of women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. As health and medical professionals, the members of...

The RACGP has published three new policies related to the Vocational Training Pathway: Vocational Training Pathway – Requirements for Fellowship Policy Recognition of Prior Learning Policy Vocational Training Pathway – Examination Eligibility Policy. A suite of related guidance documents providing additional information for regional training providers (RTPs) and registrars has also been published. The new policy and guidance documents have been developed to provide greater clarity for training providers and registrars within the changing train...

The term e-mental health is used to describe the use of the internet and related communication technologies to deliver mental health information, services and care. One major application for e-mental health is in the development of online programs for the prevention and treatment of mental illness. In addition to being a convenient option for patients, e-mental health interventions can help reduce waitlists for psychological treatment and provide support to people who find it difficult to attend face-to-face specialist care. e-Mental health: A gui...

Universal access to quality health is, quite correctly, the acceptable norm in Australia. However, though we have overall exceptional health outcomes, we cannot afford to be complacent. Changes in health demography demand more reflection and a pragmatic solution. Investment in general practice and primary care will produce improved quality and efficiency – and well-coordinated, contextual continuity of care within the GP-led Medical Home fits the bill. And it’s this The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) calls for in its  V...