Structure of the Standards

Structure of the Standards

Standards and criteria

The Standards comprise of five standards. Each standard contains one or more named sets of criteria. Each criterion is assigned an alphanumeric code that identifies:

• the standard (prefix)
• the position of the criteria set within the standard (number)
• the position of the criterion within the set (letter).

Consumer expectation statements

Consumer engagement has been shown to be linked to better patient health outcomes and safer care. The RACGP has worked with consumers to develop consumer expectation statements for each set of criteria so that consumer experiences and outcomes are central to the Standards.

The consumer expectation statements outline what consumers value, need, prefer and expect so that decision-making in general practices is person-centred.

Guidance

The Standards provide Guidance for practices for each set of criteria:

• Why this is important – Why these criteria and sub-criteria are important from a quality and safety perspective.
• Meeting these criteria – Various ways the practice can choose to meet the criteria and sub-criteria.
• Accompanying resources – Supplementary resources that will help the practice meet criteria are provided in the accompanying guidance at each section.

Using the guidance to meet the criteria

While each criterion sets out what a practice needs to achieve, the accompanying guidance explains how a practice may meet the criterion in practice. Reading the guidance in full is important, as it provides the context, intent and practical considerations that support consistent interpretation and application of the Standards.

The word “could” is used throughout the guidance to indicate that the examples provided are not mandatory or exhaustive. They illustrate a range of possible approaches that practices may choose from, adapt or build on, depending on their size, context and model of care. Practices are not required to implement every example listed, nor to adopt the examples exactly as written, provided the criterion itself is met.

Focus on outcomes

The Standards are written with a focus on outcomes rather than processes.

By focusing on outcomes, practices can design systems and processes that best support person-centred, safe and effective care within their local context. An outcome-driven approach fosters greater ownership among the practice team and encourages consistent adherence to these processes.