RACGP endorses ‘incredible’ amount of resources

One of the RACGP’s objectives is to highlight the diversity of resources it reviews and approves as part of its endorsement program, which support members in their practice.
 
Across 2024, the college endorsed or approved more than a dozen clinical resources, including the GP Hub – a tool for assessing patients with eating disorders, and the ‘landmark’ Maudsley deprescribing guidelines for GPs assisting patients to deprescribe from antidepressants.
 
Sydney GP Dr Ken McCroary sits on the RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care (REC–QC) and is the clinical lead for the college’s Representatives and Endorsements.
 
He told newsGP all the college-endorsed guidelines are important tools for GPs’ toolbox.
 
‘I’m really pleased to realise the RACGP is thought of so highly by so many different organisations in trying to get approval or endorsement of their guidelines or their education resources,’ he said.
 
‘And that shines very well on the members and leaders in the college that we are asked to review so many different groups of work.’
 
With a large number of resources, Dr McCroary says there are ongoing opportunities for members to get involved by sitting on a college committee or the endorsement program.
 
‘I can’t believe how much stuff we get asked to review or endorse or support, to add our name to a newly developed guideline,’ he said.
 
‘Just being on the REC–QC is busy enough, but all the extra stuff we’re asked to review is incredible.
 
‘We go through a rigorous process of review by multiple college members, particularly those with special interests from all our different Specific Interests groups, we are always drawing on members to review guidelines and education material.
 
‘There’s so much stuff the college is asked to look at, so if anyone is thinking about contributing or engaging – not just with the college but to the profession and the wider community – it’s all used by GPs to help treat our patients, manage chronic illness, provide preventive health.
 
‘Reviewing a guideline or educational resource is a bit of work, but it’s also good learning and refreshing and engagement for us as individuals in our daily practices.’
 
The RACGP Representatives and Endorsements program provides support for quality resources through the provision of the college logo and promotion of the resource. Resources that have received RACGP endorsement or approval are listed on the college’s clinical guidelines webpage.
 
In its role of delivering support for GPs by developing, reviewing, endorsing and providing access to guidelines, various groups, and continuing professional development, Dr McCroary says the college ‘doesn’t rest’.
 
‘We’ve had so many really important issues coming through in the last 12 months,’ he said.
 
‘The college has been heavily involved with endorsing management programs for marginalised and disadvantaged groups [for example], and it should make members proud that their college is doing so much work for them and our community.’
 
In 2024 the RACGP approved a variety of resources demonstrating the breadth of general practice topics:
 
COPD-x handbook – Lung Foundation
A point-of-care resource organised according to 13 clinical questions in an easy-to-navigate format, with practice points and up-to-date supporting links to accommodate easy guideline implementation for primary care and hospital settings. 
 
Informed consent standards of care for gender-affirming hormone therapy – AUSPATH
Guidelines offering expert Australian consensus on commencing gender-affirming hormone therapy, using the informed consent approach, for transpeople seeking medical affirmation.
 
Updated information for smoking cessation in pregnancy and breastfeeding – QUIT Victoria
Clinical guidelines providing advice to assist patients with smoking cessation in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
 
Clinical practice guideline for anxiety in children and young people – MCRI/RCH/Melbourne University
A suite of resources to better support children and young people with anxiety, including a clinical practice guideline, quick reference resources and guides to navigate all stages of assessment, treatment and management.  
 
Melanoma and keratinocyte cancers: A guide for medical practitioners – Cancer Council Victoria
Updated information on treatment of melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers in an easy-to -read layout with photos, including incidence statistics, key prevention messaging and risk factors for keratinocyte cancers.
 
ANZ concussion guidelines: Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guideline for the assessment and management of mild traumatic brain injury guidelines
A multidisciplinary team from across Australia and New Zealand created this national guideline to help address gaps in care, provide accessible support and relevant advice about concussion management.
 
GP Hub for patients with eating disorders – Inside Out Institute
To support GPs to better identify and provide evidence-based care for people living with any type of eating disorder, the tools cover screening and early intervention, diagnosis, treatment and medical management, rehabilitation and relapse.
 
Lymphoedema: A guide for general practice – Lymphoedema Association Australia
A tool to assist GPs with diagnosis and treatment pathways for lymphoedema, this is an update of the 2018 version with the latest information on types of lymphoedema, risk factors, early warning signs, and referral advice.
 
Maudsley deprescribing guidelines – Maudsley Hospital
Guidelines for safely reducing or stopping antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids and z-drugs for patients, including step-by-step guidance for all commonly used medications, common pitfalls, troubleshooting, and supportive strategies. RACGP members can redeem a free e-book copy by emailing repsandendorsements@racgp.org.au and quoting their member details.
 
Cervical cancer screening guidelines – Cancer Council NSW
The updated guidelines include changes to the universal availability of self-collection and a synthesis of existing and new information on screening in primary care.
 
Clinical guideline for abortion care – RANZCOG
This guideline provides the first evidence-based bi-national clinical practice guideline on abortion care for Australia and New Zealand, to assist GPs to provide timely and high-quality care, with medical and surgical methods presented as safe, effective and acceptable options.
 
Resources on sexual violence and child sexual abuse – National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse
These short foundational reference guides provide advice for GPs to help primary care recognise and respond when providing care for victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence.
 
ASSIST and ASSIST LITE assessment/screening tools for detecting substance abuse – Adelaide University
These screening tools are designed to assist primary care providers to detect risk of harm from substance use disorders.
 
Chronic kidney disease management in primary care – Kidney Health Australia
This handbook provides guidance and clinical tips to help primary care providers to detect, manage and refer patients with CKD in their practice.
 
Population screening and screening for family history of colorectal cancer – Cancer Council Australia
These clinical practice guidelines have been updated to ensure GPs have current evidence on risk and screening, based on family history and population screening for colorectal cancer.
 
Recommendations for the assessment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in primary care: A consensus statement – Gastroenterological Society of Australia
An evidence-based document for GPs, to support the assessment and referral of adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.
 
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