Developed in collaboration with healthcare consumers, the new consumer expectation statements give practices a clear understanding of what patients value, need, and expect. Each statement describes what a patient expects to experience when a criterion in the Standards is met, translating clinical quality into meaningful experiences and outcomes.

Used alongside the Standards, these statements support patient-centred decision-making and empower general practices to demonstrate their commitment to whole person care that is comprehensive, respectful, and coordinated.

Consumer expectation statements build on the longstanding commitment of the Standards to patient-centred care. Over time, each edition has reinforced the importance of aligning care with patients’ needs, preferences, and values. The sixth edition continues this progression, embedding shared decision-making and supporting practices to involve patients more actively and meaningfully in their care.

The result? A more connected, responsive, and trusted experience for patients and a clear framework for practices seeking to enhance care quality and build stronger patient relationships.

The RACGP provides guidance and resources to help practice teams use the consumer expectation statements in practical ways that improve daily interactions and patient experience.