In Practice: New AHPRA checklist

This week’s In Practice also features voting details for the RACGP’s upcoming AGM, simplified processes to Fellowship for the Rural Generalist pathway for those eligible through gained experience and prior learning, and an in-person event in Western Australia on antimicrobial resistance.
 
AHPRA checklist
A new checklist for practitioners handling feedback and complaints has been developed by AHPRA, the National Boards, and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
 
The checklist aims to help practitioners better address complaints when they are first raised by a patient or client. It may also be relevant to those who have a role in establishing and maintaining complaints systems and processes.
 
AGM 2023: Vote on this year’s resolutions  
With the RACGP’s 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) taking place on Thursday 23 November, the RACGP is inviting members to vote on the resolutions. Voting opened on Monday 13 November and eligible members will have been sent their unique voting link.  
  
Questions are also being taken ahead of the AGM, grouped by theme and addressed by the Board.
Members’ input can influence the outcomes of these crucial discussions, so are encouraged to take the opportunity to have their say to help shape the RACGP’s plans for the future. 
  
The 2023 AGM is in a hybrid format, in person at 100 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, and livestreamed online. Registration for both in person and online attendance is essential.
 
Voting instructions, FAQs, full details of the resolutions, registration and questions are all available  on the RACGP website.
 
Simplified FRACGP pathway to FRACGP–RG
Webinar: Monday 20 November, 8.00 pm (AEDT)
 
The college is making it easier for Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) and Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP) to be assessed for a Rural Generalist (RG) Fellowship through Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE). Fees are also being waived until 17 May 2024.

At the webinar, members will hear from RACGP Rural representatives Dr Ken Wanguhu, Associate Professor Michael Clements, and Dr Karin Jodlowski-Tan, who will discuss the streamlined RPLE process, provide case studies, and answer any questions.
Register online.
 
CPD is now annual by calendar year
Members can log in to myCPD and check their progress for 2023. For any annual requirements not yet met, here are some options:

• Review ‘Your prescription for CPD success’ and other resources
• Quick log activities done in practice
• Self-record quality improvements as Measuring Outcomes, and time spent reviewing your performance

To upload CPD hours, go to gplearning, complete a check, AJGP clinical challenge and/or a gplearning module. Browse for CPD approved activities, including by specific interest area.
 
Complete mandatory PDP and claim up to five reviewing performance hours.
Any queries can be addressed to state CPD offices.
 
WA in-person event: Preventing antimicrobial resistance together
Date: Wednesday 22 November, 6.30 – 8.30 pm (AWST)
Venue: RACGP WA, 34 Harrogate Street, West Leederville
CPD: 1.5 EA hours (plus optional back-in practice measuring outcome activity)
Cost: $25 for RACGP members
 
Antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections. The primary care sector has an important role to play in improving the safe and appropriate use of antimicrobials, reducing patient harm and the risk of antimicrobial resistance in Australia.

For World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, RACGP WA invites members to attend an evening of conversations on preventing antimicrobial resistance in primary care.

Attendees will hear from consultant clinical microbiologist and infectious diseases physician, Dr Jonathan Chambers, and paediatrician and infectious diseases physician, Dr Daniel Yeoh, who will discuss the contemporary use of antibiotics and the role of GPs in reducing the risk of resistance, changing prescribing patterns and educating patients.
Register online.
 
Member Engagement Survey deadline extended 
RACGP members are encouraged to take 15 minutes to complete the Member Engagement Survey, which has now been extended until 1 December. 
 
Members’ input will help the college understand more about them, their work, interactions with the RACGP and overall satisfaction with membership. Survey participants also go into the draw to win a free RACGP membership. A unique link to the survey has been sent to members’ inboxes, or it can be accessed online. 
 
Supporting self-collection for cervical screening
Webinar: Tuesday 21 November, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1.5 EA hour
 
Cervical screening can be uncomfortable for patients, leading to hesitancy and avoidance, but it is the most important tool as Australia works towards eliminating cervical cancer.
 
By giving the speculum a sabbatical, GPs can offer a more patient-centred screening experience, eliminate discomfort, and improve screening rates.
 
Presented in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care’s National Cervical Screening Program, this webinar will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to confidently guide eligible patients through self-collection for cervical screening.
 
While this education was previously presented in August, it has been extended by 30 minutes to answer more questions, meaning prior attendees are welcome to join again to refresh their existing knowledge or to further expand their understanding. 
Register online.

New National Tobacco Strategy: How NRT can help
Webinar: Tuesday 28 November, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1 hour
 
The Australian Government has ambitious targets to slash smoking rates to 5% by 2030. GPs, and other health professionals, have been highlighted as playing a key role in achieving this target, with increasing requirements on smoking cessation counselling.

This webinar aims to unpack the implications of the National Tobacco Strategy for GPs, how they can prepare for new public health campaigns, and discuss nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) counselling, with a focus on using NRT as a re-engagement tactic.
 
Learning outcomes:

• Build awareness of the changing landscape on smoking cessation as it pertains to the National Tobacco Strategy
• Assist GPs in understanding NRT use, counselling and common patient mistakes
• Demonstrate strategies for re-engaging or engaging with smokers using NRT care

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