National Key Performance Indicators for the proposed new quality improvement PIP
The RACGP has cautioned the Department of Health (DoH) about using data from general practices for measuring or comparing performance as part of the proposed new quality improvement Practice Incentives Program (QIPIP).
The RACGP is firmly of the view that quality improvement should be driven from within practices, and that the QIPIP should be provided to help practices establish internal quality improvements that benefit quality of care for their patients.
The RACGP does not support practice data being provided to external providers for the purpose of aggregation and reporting of practice activity and performance, and thus cannot support any outcome or performance indicators.
Log in to shareGP to read the RACGP’s letter to the DoH.
Influenza vaccination poster in October issue of Australian Family Physician
RACGP members will receive an influenza vaccination poster for their practice in the October edition of Australian Family Physician (AFP).
This poster provides information for patients and practice staff of the importance of influenza vaccinations.
On average, there are 3000 influenza deaths and 350,000 people are affected by the flu each year in Australia. The RACGP has been vocal about the need for a national government-subsidised flu vaccination program.
Visit the RACGP website to download the poster.
RACGP AGPT Program selection success
The planning, promotion and delivery of the RACGP Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program selection process has been a success, with an extremely high pass rate for the Candidate Assessment and Applied Knowledge Test (CAAKT).
The RACGP assumed responsibility for selection of 90% of rural and metropolitan candidates into the AGPT Program in January 2017.
The RACGP has carefully managed the selection process in conjunction with the Regional Training Organisations (RTOs) to better align selection to the knowledge, skills and approach required of an RACGP Fellow.
Profession controlled selection ensures Australian patients will be treated by GPs who are highly skilled, passionate about their profession and have the personal attributes to make a wonderful GP.
Visit the RACGP website to read more.
Applications for the second intake into the 2018 AGPT Program are now open and close at 10.00 am (AEDT) Friday 13 October 2017.
Second round applications for RVTS Remote and Aboriginal Medical Services streams now open
Second round applications for 2018 Remote Vocational Training Scheme training for both Remote and Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) streams close on Sunday 15 October.
AMS stream applications are accepted from doctors working in rural, regional and metropolitan locations. There will be 10 AMS training positions available in 2018.
Visit the RVTS website for more information.
Clinical pearl: Smartphone apps for smoking cessation
Smoking cessation apps provide smokers with behavioural support such as education, motivation and advice on how to quit successfully. These apps can be used alone or in combination with pharmacological support and/or counselling.
People receiving support with mobile apps show an almost 70% higher chance of not smoking at six months after quitting, compared to people receiving only general health messages on their phones or standard pharmacological and behavioural interventions.
An increasing number of smoking cessation apps are available from government and non-government healthcare providers. For more information, including app recommendations, visit the RACGP’s Handbook of non-drug interventions (HANDI).