The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is pleased the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Revalidation of the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) has taken GPs grave concerns regarding revalidation on board when developing its final report.
RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel said the MBA’s decision to rule out a UK-style revalidation and formal examination process in its entirety was a win for Australian GPs.
“The RACGP has pointed out over and over again that we would only ever support an evidence based process as a response to revalidation,” Dr Seidel said.
“When it comes to continuous professional development, an enhanced, comprehensive, reflective and contextual profession-led program is what makes a difference to GPs and their patients.”
Dr Seidel said this was why the RACGP had carefully designed its Planned Learning and Need (PLAN) program and proactively made PLAN available to RACGP members.
“The implementation of PLAN was not an easy decision, but in hindsight, was the right decision,” Dr Seidel said.
“All RACGP members are to benefit from PLAN now.
“The MBA’s new framework does not go beyond the continuous professional development program currently followed by RACGP members.”
Dr Seidel said he was concerned about the MBA’s proposed plans for all doctors, who are providing clinical care to patients, to be required to undergo health checks from the age of 70 years onwards.
“This proposal requires further explanation,” Dr Seidel said.
“The RACGP will continue to advocate strongly against any discriminatory profiling of GPs.
“Our members dedicate their lives to general practice and the Australian community and do not deserve to be subjected to any form of discriminatory screening.”
The RACGP will urge any health checks of GPs to be carefully trialled, appraised and evaluated before a potential compulsory roll out. The Medical Board of Australia is already aware that there might well be unsurmountable legal obstacles to taking mandatory actions to investigate and address any potential risks from doctors over the age of 70 years.
The RACGP will prepare a formal response to the EAG report over the next week.