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4th August 2021
The board understands our practitioner’s frustrations not being able to work in their clinics due to the current COVID-19 lockdown period. And we particularly empathise with those practitioners resident in NSW (greater Sydney) who are experiencing an extended lockdown.
The NSW government defined list of essential workers can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/authorised-workers#health-care-and-social-assistance
Current health orders from the NSW government concerning movement and gatherings can be found here: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/information/covid19-legislation/temporary-movement-gathering-restrictions
The Queensland government defined list of essential workers can be found here: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/covid-19-restrictions/current
Keep well, stay safe
Dr Gabrielle Caswell
President
Further enquires: Ms Purich secretary@acam.org.au
Health Ministers green light CPD changes
30 Jul 2021
Changes to continuing professional development (CPD) that will increase the value of doctors’ life-long learning will start in January 2023.
The changes are included in an updated Medical Board of Australia Continuing professional development (CPD) registration standard, just approved by Australia’s Health Ministers.
Medical Board of Australia Chair, Dr Anne Tonkin, said the changes would assure that doctors are engaging in learning that is relevant, effective and evidence-based.
Practising registered medical practitioners already do regular CPD that is relevant to their scope of practice.
The three core changes to CPD are the introduction of CPD homes and professional development plans (PDPs) for all doctors, and requiring doctors to do different types of CPD to improve the value of their professional development.
“The goal is to make sure that the time doctors spend on CPD is useful and helps keep them practising at their best throughout their working lives,” Dr Tonkin said.
Existing CPD providers (specialist medical colleges) have been moving their CPD programs towards these changes over recent years, because they reflect contemporary best practice and make CPD more valuable to doctors and their patients.
Under the changes, doctors will do 50 hours of CPD each year, made up of:
- 25 hours active CPD - reviewing outcomes and measuring performance (doctors decide the best mix for these activities to suit their practice, with five hours minimum of each type)
- 12.5 hours traditional learning or educational activities – reading, lectures, conferences
- 12.5 hours – doctors choose across the three types of CPD.
Introducing accredited CPD homes for all doctors will improve consistency in learning, structure, standards and educational value for doctors with all types of registration.
CPD homes will provide a framework to foster safe practice and support doctors by coordinating programs, ensuring quality activities and keeping track of hours. Any new CPD homes will be accredited by the Australian Medical Council.
All doctors will need to make a professional development plan each year that targets their professional development to their learning goals and strengthens their practice. The Board is not specifying what a PDP looks like or what should be in it.
“The value of a plan lies in the thinking each doctor puts into their professional development and learning needs,” Dr Tonkin said.
“Developing a plan will help doctors think about their strengths and weaknesses, and map out learning that will help them keep their professional edge,” she said.
Changes to CPD are an important part of the Medical Board of Australia’s Professional Performance Framework.
For more information
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27th June 2021
Dear ACAM Colleagues
As a community, Australia continues to face major challenges associated with the COVID-19 crisis, as you will no doubt be aware, the region of Greater Sydney has now entered lockdown, including the areas of Wollongong, Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. Throughout today, infections have been recorded in most states and territories, mostly believed to be the Delta variant. Those who are impacted by this latest outbreak, our thoughts are with you. Our new COVID normal operating parameters will take some adaption for all of us.
More information concerning NSW Health lockdown guidelines consult health.nsw.gov.au.
Medical services are considered essential. You should use your common sense if this applies to your particular practice. And if in doubt consult your MDO. Those whose practices are still able to operate, consider strengthening your COVID-19 protocols that help protect yourself, staff and patients (for example: masks as mandatory for all those in your rooms, whether prescribed by your particular health department or not).
A practical tip is to wear scrubs in your work environment. The TGA has approved the Australian made cleaning product Viraclean (available through Team Medical Supplies and other medical suppliers) for COVID-19 sanitation. There is a neutral (blue) variety, good for phones, computer keyboard and items made from plastic.
A member has suggested that all EFT machines be wrapped in gladwrap (for pin insertion), with staff changing the gladwrap and wiping the device between patients. And of course gloves at all times.
It is suggested you encourage your practice staff to complete these certificates:
COVID-19 Infection Control Training (you do not need to be a NSW resident):
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training
Australia Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Courses:
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/
Downloadable workbook
Those of us with friends and colleagues overseas know of the devastation that COVID-19 has brought. Australia has remained the somewhat “lucky country”, but I also like to think we are a smart country, and following good guidelines contribute to our collective safety.
The board wishes all our members the best of health, and hope that we are able to see each other in the near future.
Dr Gabrielle Caswell
President ACAM
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