The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) applauds the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) for the measured and responsive development process used to create the new MBA Professional Performance Framework.
ACRRM President Associate Professor Ruth Stewart, who attended yesterday’s launch meeting, says she welcomes the MBA’s commitment to ongoing consultation with stakeholders.
“The College has appreciated the opportunity to be consulted on the framework throughout its development,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate for our members, whose unique practice characteristics should be taken into account as the framework is put into action.
“We’re taking our time to consider the documentation surrounding the framework, and are committed as always to ongoing consultation and communication with our members to ensure that we are reflecting their views.”
One immediate area of concern is the statements made regarding isolated and older doctors.
“By its very nature, rural and remote practice could be deemed as an isolated form of practice. I am pleased that in the new MBA Professional Performance Framework, the isolation the MBA refers to is professional isolation, and not necessarily a reflection on geographical location. This framework recognises that rural and remote practitioners can be very connected to their peers,” said A/Prof Stewart.
“ACRRM is proud of our collegiate support network – our programs encourage mentorship and collaboration, breaking down the barriers to professional isolation that can occur in rural or remote practice.
“We were built by doctors supporting doctors, and that has not and will not change.”
A/Prof Stewart urged GPs not to be concerned regarding the announcement of the peer review and health checks for those over the age of 70.
“The peer review and health check components of the framework will be a way for those practitioners over the age of 70 to assure themselves and their community that they’re fit and able to provide safe, quality care,” said A/Prof Stewart.
“Importantly, the outcome of health checks and peer reviews will not be reported to the Medical Board unless there is serious risk to patients.
“This has been a collaborative process; the MBA has canvased opinion widely, including through visits and consultation with the College executive and Board. We look forward to working with them to find an optimal way to assure our members and our communities that rural doctors are working to the top of their capabilities.”
Also of interest to the College are the strengthened professional development requirements that the report outlines.
“The College’s Professional Development Program is robust, and we’re confident that only small changes will be required to meet the new requirements,” said A/Prof Stewart.
“Our Fellows and members are supported by a program specifically designed to be relevant to their practice; it’s built to support the needs of rural and remote GPs and their communities. This is directly in line with the professional development requirements of the new framework.
“No changes need to be made immediately regarding professional development. Rather, we will work with the MBA to make progressive changes in the years ahead.”
“The College is well placed to provide professional development opportunities for our members to reflect on their practice. We will provide models for supporting doctors to create a professional development plan. Our professional development program will continue to be a program that enables rural and remote doctors to be in control of their own professional development and we will provide any subsequent support our members need.”