News

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RACGP unveils new general practice standards

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Reflecting contemporary general practice and supporting safe and high-quality patient care: the RACGP has released its updated Standards for general practices (6th edition).
 
The new sixth edition Standards have been developed to align with principles of the International Society for Quality in Health Care. The new Standards also incorporate feedback from extensive consultation with stakeholders, consumers and piloting, and they align with recommendations from the Review of General Practice Accreditation Arrangements.
 
The updated Standards include several new and updated topics, including:

• artificial intelligence
• defining and planning for your practice
• environmental sustainability
• engaging consumers
• continuous quality improvement.

The college says the update ensures the Standards remain fit for purpose in a changing healthcare environment.
 
Dr Louise Acland, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Standards for General Practices, said the release of the sixth edition marks ‘an important milestone for Australian general practice’.
 
‘As well as being the launch of a new set of standards, this publication marks 30 years of the RACGP’s commitment to safe, high-quality patient care in general practice,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘GPs and practices can expect a stronger emphasis on person-centred care. Patient needs, preferences and experiences are embedded throughout the Standards, reinforcing the importance of shared decision-making and meaningful patient engagement.
 
‘Consumer expectation statements have also been introduced, ensuring patient perspectives remain visible and central to the delivery of care.’
 
The overall intent of the Standards remains the same: supporting safe, high-quality care in Australian general practice through practice accreditation.
 
Restructured to improve ‘clarity, usability and consistency’ for both practices and surveyors, the sixth edition comprises four standards: foundations of general practice; clinical governance; patient participation; continuous quality improvement. It also includes an optional standard for point-of-care testing.
 
A more robust integration of governance and quality improvement is also throughout the new Standards.
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright echoes the importance of embedded patient perspectives.
 
‘Shared decision-making and patient-centred care are core to good general practice,’ he said.
 
‘The Standards aim to support practices as they adapt to modern consumer expectations, consider how AI can improve care, implement environmental sustainability, and thrive in an often-challenging financial environment.
 
‘They’re also strongly outcomes-focused, and don’t prescribe rigid processes. They provide flexibility for practices to implement systems that suit their circumstances, while meeting the expectations of our patients for high-quality care that’s tailored to their needs.
 
‘Whether your practice is already accredited or considering accreditation, the Standards will support and guide you and your team.’
 
The sixth edition Standards follow the recent release of the Interpretative guide for non-traditional general practices for the purposes of accreditation which supports practices in determining their eligibility for accreditation, including non-traditional service models such as mobile and outreach services, and services operating within residential aged care facilities or disability homes.
 
The expanded definition of a general practice introduced in 2024 remains in place under the sixth edition, and practices should assess themselves against the definition before seeking accreditation. Eligibility criteria are detailed in the new Standards.
 
While retaining the strengths of the fifth edition, Dr Acland says key updates across several domains, including emerging areas, are incorporated in the sixth edition.
 
‘Digital health, data governance, artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and enhanced privacy and confidentiality requirements, and clarifying the distinction between practice level requirements and individual clinician responsibilities,’ she said.
 
‘Another key feature is the shift towards an outcomes-focused framework.’
 
The greater focus on outcomes includes criteria describing what practices are expected to achieve, rather than prescribing how they must achieve it.
 
Key structural changes from the fifth edition also include a clearer separation between requirements and guidance material, expanded guidance to support consistent interpretation and implementation, and a simplified approach to clearly identify criteria.
 
For practices seeking accreditation, further information about timing and requirements of transition arrangements between the fifth or sixth edition of the Standards, will be communicated by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
 
All practices undergoing accreditation will need to meet the sixth edition Standards following the determined transition period. In the meantime, the RACGP recommends practices start familiarising themselves with the new structure of the Standards and reviewing governance and risk structures early to make the transition easier.  
 
As general practice continues to face new opportunities and challenges, Dr Acland says the sixth edition provides a framework that is both ‘forward-looking and grounded in the profession’s enduring values’.
 
‘Digital transformation, changing patient expectations and the health impacts of climate change are among the issues shaping the future landscape,’ she said.
 
‘The updated Standards act as a benchmark of quality improvement, professional integrity and public trust.’
 
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Australian general practice general practice accreditation patient-centred care Standards for general practices

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