New training pilot could boost rural GP numbers

A pilot program enabling GPs in training to work in rural and remote communities could be an important tool to boost regional workforce numbers, the RACGP says.
 
Launched in August 2022 and funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoH), the Remote Supervision Pilot has been designed to allow GPs in training to be placed in regional locations where there is no on-site supervisor, by facilitating remote supervisor support.
 
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins, who is based in Townsville and is the former Chair of GP Supervisors Australia, said the new training pilot provides hope for improved GP access nationally.
 
‘Many rural and remote communities have limited or no on-site supervisor available or limited or intermittent medical services. Placing GPs in training in these areas is essential, especially when people would otherwise have to drive for hours just to see a doctor,’ she said.
 
‘All Australians need access to high-quality GP care, regardless of their postcode. The RACGP is looking to strengthen the future of general practice and get more GPs working and living in the communities that need them most by providing nationally consistent, high-quality supervision and training Australia-wide.’
 
According to the RACGP, which earlier this year signed a ‘milestone’ contract with the DoH as part of the transition to profession-led training, the pilot will help to test and refine remote supervision guidelines as part of the Australian General Practice Training program.
 
Under the pilot, which has already enabled two GPs in training to work in Norfolk Island and the rural NSW town of Walgett, each participant is supported by an off-site supervisor, using phone and videoconferencing to provide teaching and real time assistance when needed.
 
In addition to increasing the number of practitioners and improving healthcare in rural and remote Australia, remote supervision also aims to provide GPs in training with more flexibility to work in different communities, including those which are more remote and isolated.
 
One of the pilot’s participants, Norfolk Island-based GP in training Dr Peter Hopcroft, has had positive experiences so far.
 
‘Remote supervision has been great,’ he said.
 
‘My supervisor is an experienced rural generalist, and when he is off-site, we have had valuable catchups via Zoom.
 
‘The other GPs on-site are excellent too, and I have engaged them for advice when needed.’
 
Meanwhile, RACGP Senior Medical Advisor Associate Professor Jill Benson believes the pilot will provide a variety of benefits.
 
‘We believe that remote supervision is as effective as on-site supervision, and that it is as good for the GPs in training as it is for the towns,’ she said.
 
‘Remote supervision enables a supported and safe training term in a location that would not normally be available for the GP in training, and it provides more opportunities for supervisor engagement than they would normally receive late in their training period.’
 
But while the initial results have been promising, RACGP Senior Medical Advisor Dr Tim Linton said building on the program will be vital for the pilot’s future success.
 
‘A key part of the remote supervision pilots is the evaluation,’ he said.
 
‘We are evaluating the pilots to assess the guidelines and associated processes to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, prior to wider implementation.
 
‘Formative evaluation is already underway, and we have conducted the first round of interviews with each of the participants to gather data.’
 
The RACGP is planning identify a further 10–20 remote communities that have had difficulty attracting or retaining a GP that could be suitable for remote training as part of a wider rollout.

Expressions of interest from GPs in training and supervisors who wish to join the program, and the accreditation process for interested practices, will open after the transition to profession-led training on February 1.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

GPs in training profession-led training Remote Supervision Pilot rural