Competencies

Rural Generalist medical practitioner competencies are grouped under the eight domains of rural and remote practice. They describe the key competencies that are required in each context of practice.

The curriculum consists of the Core Generalist and Advanced Specialised components. The Rural Generalist medical practitioner competencies are common to both components, but the expected standard for some competencies increases between the Core and Advanced components.

Registrars must demonstrate meeting all competencies at the Core Generalist standard and choose one specialised area in which they demonstrate meeting the Advanced Specialised standard.

Core Generalist competency standards#

Three indicators are provided for each competency for the Core Generalist standard. These indicators are markers of progression to meeting the standard of the Core Generalist component.

beginning of core generalist standard
progressing to core generalist standard
achieved the core generalist standard

Domain 1. Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts#

1.1 Establish a doctor-patient relationship#

Beginning#

Creates a non-judgemental, safe environment to actively engage with patients and families to share information and their perspectives
Identifies the ideas, concerns and expectations of the patient through verbal cues
Identifies physical, cultural, psychological, and social barriers to communication

Progressing#

Effectively builds rapport with patients and families
Starts to pick up on patient non-verbal cues
Engages patient in shared decision making
Matches modality of communication to patient needs, health literacy and context

Achieved#

Connects with patients and families in a manner that fosters respect and understanding, including the ability to manage conflict
Picks up on and is responsive to patient nonverbal cues
Effectively communicates difficult information, such as end of life discussions, delivery of bad news, and acknowledgement of errors

1.2 Use a patient centred approach to care#

Beginning#

Incorporates patient treatment and management preferences when appropriate

Progressing#

Develops with the patient effective diagnostic and managements plans and communicates these to appropriate health care providers

Achieved#

Evaluates the provision of holistic and patient-centred care in the practice

1.3 Diagnose and manage common and important conditions in rural primary, secondary and emergency settings#

Beginning#

Synthesises clinical information to generate a ranked problem list containing appropriate provisional diagnosis
Implements and evaluates a management plan relevant to the patient for common problems and conditions

Progressing#

Refines diagnostic skills, fewer diagnostic dilemmas, differential diagnoses are risk stratified, differential list is better prioritised and defended
Implements and evaluates a management plan in concert with patient or carer

Achieved#

Provides patient with most plausible diagnoses based on evidence gathered
Negotiates individual evidence-based management plan, considering impact of the condition and proposed management on the patient's lifestyle/function

1.4 Obtain a relevant and focused history using a logical and structured approach aiming to rule in and rule out relevant differential diagnoses within a patient’s presentation#

Beginning#

Takes a history of the presenting complaint with an appropriate review of systems, using biopsychosocial model

Progressing#

Takes a relevant, focused history of the presenting complaint with an appropriate review of systems, using biopsychosocial model

Achieved#

Integrates comprehensive but focused history of presenting problem into consultation

1.5 Perform an appropriate physical examination, across all age groups, elicit clinical signs and interpret physical findings#

Beginning#

Conducts an appropriate physical examination
Identifies when physical examination signs are inconsistent with the history

Progressing#

Conducts a relevant and focussed physical examination, using clinical tools and correct technique

Achieved#

Conducts relevant examination in organised, logical and efficient manner, including all key differentials
Elicits links to function during examination.

1.6 Appropriately order, perform and interpret diagnostic investigations#

Beginning#

Selects, requests and can justify investigations in the context of a patient presentation
Follows facility protocols to communicate test results to patient

Progressing#

Judiciously orders investigations with an understanding of the risks and benefits of investigations
Communicates test results to patients and checks patient understanding of the results

Achieved#

Judiciously orders investigations with the risks and benefits of investigations explained to the patient
Explains how each investigate contributes to the patient’s management.
Assists with development of robust and efficient systems to ensure that results are interpreted and communicated to patients

1.7 Ensure safe and appropriate prescribing of medications and non-pharmacological treatment options#

Beginning#

Identifies key factors to consider when choosing most effective treatment

Progressing#

Identifies and utilises quality and unbiased resources to assist in appropriate prescribing of treatments

Achieved#

Reviews and revises own patterns of prescribing to improve quality and safety

1.8 Formulate an appropriate management plan, incorporate specialist practitioner’s advice or referral where applicable#

Beginning#

Works with supervisor to arrange referrals

Progressing#

Knows referral networks and how to arrange referrals

Achieved#

Arranges referrals in concert with the patient and/or carer considering the balance of potential benefits, harms and costs

1.9 Demonstrate commitment to teamwork, collaboration, coordination and continuity of care#

Beginning#

Understands the roles of team members and participates as a respectful and effective team member
Provides appropriate handover

Progressing#

Engages the appropriate team to provide safe, efficient, effective patient centred care
Facilitates seamless transitions of care
Sustains appropriate respectful, relationships with team members
Communicates effectively with health care team
Provides clear and concise documentation in shared records

Achieved#

Provides leadership and participates as a respectful team member with local and distant teams to optimise quality patient care
Works collaboratively, including during challenging situations and transitions of care
Negotiates and manages conflict amongst the healthcare team

Domain 2. Provide primary care#

2.1 Apply diagnostic reasoning to undifferentiated health problems in an un-referred patient population#

Beginning#

Progressing#

Develops management plans that support the early identification of evolving conditions
Considers key conditions that are important to exclude
Communicates uncertainties to the patient
Ensures safety netting is in place through provision of patient information and ongoing review of patient outcomes

Achieved#

Develops management plans for patients with long-term undifferentiated signs, symptoms or health concerns
Makes clinical decisions around choices of investigations and management that balances the potential risks against the benefits

2.2 Provide patient care across the lifespan from birth through to end of life#

Beginning#

Gains skills in working with patients of different ages

Progressing#

Manages common conditions in all age groups

Achieved#

Manages common and less common conditions in all age groups, including those at the end of life

2.3 Manage common presentations and conditions in primary care#

Beginning#

Developing skills in managing the most common presentations and conditions in primary care
Seeks help when required
Developing a collection of resources to assist with managing common presentations

Progressing#

Manages the most common presentations and conditions in primary care
Building skills in managing the less common presentations and conditions in primary care
Consults with and refers to specialist medical services as appropriate

Achieved#

Manages common and less common presentations and conditions in primary care
Knows when and where to seek further help or to refer when additional, secondary and/or tertiary care is required

2.4 Provide longitudinal care, managing individual’s diverse range of problems across extended time periods#

Beginning#

Understands the difference between episodic and longitudinal care
Identifies the role of the primary care doctor in managing the patient’s life journey

Progressing#

Develops longitudinal care plans for important conditions
Develops confidence in managing whole patient life outcomes

Achieved#

Provides longitudinal care that is holistic, dynamic and integrated
Demonstrates clear understanding and takes leadership roles in delivering health care to patients across their lifespan

2.5 Perform primary care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures#

Beginning#

Identifies procedures required in primary care
Seeks experience in providing treatments under supervision

Progressing#

Manages most typical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures independently and seeks help when required

Achieved#

Manages all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely, and effectively

2.6 Effectively manage time pressure and decision fatigue during general practice consultations#

Beginning#

Knows a model for GP consultations
Recognises the contributing factors to time pressure
Identifies the signs of decision fatigue

Progressing#

Implements a model for GP consultations
Manages a patient consultation in an effective and time efficient manner
Recognises the signs of decision fatigue in own practice

Achieved#

Evaluates and adapts a model for GP consultation to consider time pressures
Manages varying degrees of patient needs in a highly efficient manner
Mitigates the impact of decision fatigue in own practice

2.7 Provide continuous, consistent and coordinated chronic disease management for individuals with chronic conditions#

Beginning#

Recognises chronic conditions
Follows established management plans and contributes to shared health summaries

Progressing#

Applies appropriate clinical guidelines for chronic conditions
Develops individualised management plans for patients with chronic conditions in consultation with patient
Ensures shared records are maintained

Achieved#

Develops and implements a management plan for patients with multiple chronic conditions in consultation with patient
Facilitates patient’s and family’s self-management of their chronic conditions
Undertakes regular review of management plan with patient

2.8 Undertake preventive activities such as screening, immunisation and health education in opportunistic and programmatic ways#

Beginning#

Describes protocols for screening and immunisation
Collects family, social and behavioural history
Identifies health education resources

Progressing#

Implements screening and immunisation according to practice protocols
Provides patients with health education information relevant to consultation
Provides immunisation counselling including benefits and risks of immunisation

Achieved#

Integrates disease prevention and health promotion seamlessly into the ongoing care of all patients

2.9 Provide cost conscious care for patients, the service and the health care system#

Beginning#

Knows how to access the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS)
Knows the relevant local and regional patient support processes
Identifies cost implications for patient of treatment options
Identifies potential low-value practices

Progressing#

Uses and interprets the MBS and PBS in a manner that meets patient needs and complies with legal and professional requirements
Provides clear and timely information to patients on cost implications and support processes
Manages patient expectations around the use of low-value practices

Achieved#

Partners with the patient to consistently use resources efficiently and cost effectively
Integrates patient needs, financial capabilities and support systems into the patient management plan
Evaluates and adapts own practice to identify and eliminate the use of low-value practices

2.10 Provide general and specific health checks, medical assessments and travel medicine consultations#

Beginning#

Describes where to find information on requirements for medical assessments

Progressing#

Undertakes medical assessments according to the requirements
Maintains up-to-date knowledge on requirements

Achieved#

Provides honest assessment, including where the assessment outcome is not favourable for patient e.g. driver’s medical
Communicates these outcomes to the patient

Domain 3. Provide secondary medical care#

3.1 Manage common conditions requiring inpatient care, in appropriate settings#

Beginning#

Participates in the secondary care of patients

Progressing#

Develops and implements secondary care management plans for patients with common conditions

Achieved#

Develops, implements, monitors and modifies secondary care management plans for patients
Consults with colleagues as required

3.2 Maintain a clinically relevant plan of fluid, electrolyte and blood product use with relevant pathology testing#

Beginning#

Monitors fluid and electrolytes
Modifies orders in consultation

Progressing#

Monitors and adjusts fluid and electrolyte orders
Consults with colleagues

Achieved#

Monitors and adjusts fluid and electrolyte orders
Seeks assistance from colleagues as required especially for complex cases

3.3 Perform secondary care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures#

Beginning#

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under supervision
Orders appropriate procedures

Progressing#

Performs most diagnostic and therapeutic procedures independently
Seeks assistance when required
Orders appropriate procedures taking into consideration what is available locally

Achieved#

Performs all essential diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the logbook independently

3.4 Recognise and respond early to the deteriorating patient#

Beginning#

Recognises the key signs and symptoms of a deteriorating patient
Seeks assistance early

Progressing#

Identifies patients at risk of deterioration and escalates level of observation
Consults with colleagues to adjust treatment, if time permits

Achieved#

Anticipates and identifies patients at risk of deterioration early and escalates level of observation and treatment accordingly

3.5 Communicate effectively with the healthcare team, including effective handover#

Beginning#

Documents effective handover plans

Progressing#

Describes the key elements required for effective clinical handover

Achieved#

Evaluates the key communication skills that are required to deliver effective handovers in clinical settings

3.6 Anticipate and judiciously arrange safe patient transfer to other facilities#

Beginning#

Assists in the preparation and transfer of patients

Progressing#

Identifies patients who require transfer
Works with colleagues to arrange transfer and prepare patients

Achieved#

Makes decisions about patient transfer with consideration of clinical indications, service capabilities, patient preferences, transportation and geography
Arranges transfer and prepares patient appropriately

3.7 Undertake early discharge planning, involving the multi-disciplinary team#

Beginning#

Implements discharge arrangements as directed

Progressing#

Participates in multidisciplinary discharge planning

Achieved#

Coordinates multidisciplinary discharge planning

Domain 4. Respond to medical emergencies#

4.1 Recognise severe, acute and life-threatening conditions and provide initial resuscitation and stabilisation#

Beginning#

Recognises and effectively assesses acutely ill, deteriorating or dying patients
Supports a colleague to stabilise emergency presentations

Progressing#

Consistently recognises situations requiring urgent medical care
Stabilises emergency presentations with support of an experienced colleague onsite

Achieved#

Recognises, provides and coordinates care for acutely ill patients within local community
Stabilises emergency presentations with support of an experienced colleague onsite or off site if required

4.2 Provide definitive emergency management across the lifespan in keeping with clinical need, own capabilities, local context and resources#

Beginning#

Gathers essential information, generates differential diagnosis, and seeks assistance
Follows clinical guidelines and facility protocols

Progressing#

Gathers essential information, generates differential diagnosis, and follows clinical guidelines and facility protocols

Achieved#

Develops and implements appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management plans for common acute conditions
Arranges appropriate transitions of care

4.3 Perform emergency diagnostic and therapeutic procedures#

Beginning#

Implements Basic Life Support
Identifies the indications for advanced airway management and ventilation
Understands the pathophysiology of shock, obtains IV access and commences IV fluids
Understands and initiates commonly used analgesics

Progressing#

Assists with instituting protection of the airway and adequate oxygenation when the airway and/or ventilation is compromised
Recognises shocked patient, obtains IV access, understands the principles of fluid resuscitation, initiates relevant investigations, provides initial treatment with onsite guidance
Understands more complex pain management and alternative routes of administration.

Achieved#

Institutes protection of the airway and adequate oxygenation when the airway and/or ventilation is compromised
Provides initial time critical management (with onsite or distant guidance if required) of shocked patients including alternate vascular access, timely fluid and/or transfusion management, relevant therapeutic measures, ancillary life support measures, interpretation of common investigations, timely admission or onward referral for definitive management
Provides higher level management including simple procedural sedation and simple nerve blocks

4.5 Interpret common pathology, imaging and other diagnostic modalities relevant to emergency management#

Beginning#

Reads and interprets ECG, pathology and imaging reports
Activates or support emergency patient retrieval, transport or evacuation when needed

Progressing#

Can identify normal pathology and imaging
Beginning to identify common injury and pathological conditions on diagnostic test abnormalities

Achieved#

Recognises important features of common injuries and pathological conditions on ECG, pathology, radiology
Recognises the need for transfer for higher level and diagnostics

4.6 Provide inter-professional team leadership in emergency care that includes resource allocation, risk management assessment, quality assurance, team debriefing and self-care#

Beginning#

Implements basic life support

Progressing#

Participates in an inter-professional team to implement advanced life support for children and adults

Achieved#

Effectively evaluates the role of colleague support in managing patient outcomes
Aware of own skills/knowledge limitations and local resources

4.7 Utilise assistance and/or guidance from other specialist practitioners and services as required#

Beginning#

Understands the need to gain assistance from colleagues and other service providers

Progressing#

Describes the process required to gain assistance from colleagues and other health care providers to assist patient management

Achieved#

Leads an inter-professional team to implement advanced life support for children and adults

Domain 5. Apply a population health approach#

5.1 Analyse the social, environmental, economic and occupational determinants of health that affect the community#

Beginning#

Identifies information sources to assist in understanding the local community

Progressing#

Investigates the key social, environmental, economic and occupational determinants of health that affect the community

Achieved#

Analyses the social, environmental, economic and occupational determinants of health that affect the community burden of disease and access to health-related services

5.2 Describe the local community profile, including health, age groups, ethnicity, occupations#

Beginning#

Identifies local and regional sources of community profile data

Progressing#

Collates and synthesises appropriate data to describe the local community profile

Achieved#

Presents and explains the implications of the local community profile
Monitors population health trends and recognises ‘red flags’ that require action

5.3 Apply a population health approach that is relevant to the community profile#

Beginning#

Advocates for healthy lifestyles and explains environmental & lifestyle risks to health

Progressing#

Accesses and collaborates with agencies responsible for key population health functions including public health services, employer groups and local government
Advocates for patients to ensure equitable access to healthcare
Seeks to improve health care systems where they practice

Achieved#

Actively participates in local community and regional groups and forums to advocate in the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions that address determinants of population health for their community

5.4 Integrate evidence-based prevention, early detection and health maintenance activities into practise at a population level#

Beginning#

Evaluates the positive and negative aspects of health screening and prevention when making healthcare decisions

Progressing#

Implements individual and national population-based screening activities in the consultation; motivates patients to participate

Achieved#

Integrates evidence-based prevention, early detection and health maintenance activities into practise at a systems level

5.5 Fulfil reporting requirements in relation to statutory notification of health conditions#

Beginning#

Aware of individual and systemic reporting requirements in relation to statutory notification

Progressing#

Understands and implements processes to fulfil reporting requirements in relation to statutory notification of health conditions

Achieved#

Independently fulfils reporting requirements in relation to statutory notification of health conditions

5.6 Participate in disaster planning and implementation of disaster plans, and post-incident analysis and debriefing#

Beginning#

Aware of disaster plans in the region

Progressing#

Prepared to act according to disaster plan if required

Achieved#

Actively contributes to disaster planning with reference to previous post-incident analyses
Collaborates with others to implement disaster planning
Facilitates and actively contributes to post-incident analysis and debriefing

Domain 6. Work with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and other culturally diverse communities to improve health and wellbeing#

6.1 Understand diverse local health practices and their benefits for communities#

Beginning#

Knowledge of health practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other cultural groups

Progressing#

Growing knowledge of health practices and their benefits

Achieved#

Sound knowledge of health practices and benefits for communities

6.2 Apply principles of partnership, community ownership, consultation, capacity building, reciprocity and respect to health care delivery, health surveillance and research#

Beginning#

Behaves in a manner that acknowledges the impact of cultural, ethnic, spiritual, social, and economic factors on health
Has knowledge of activities shown to improve outcomes of health care
Has knowledge of the barriers to access and the social and cultural determinants of health

Progressing#

Learns about the community and its resources, strengths and vulnerabilities
Participates in activities to improve outcomes of care

Achieved#

Works alongside culturally diverse groups to address health issues

6.3 Deliver culturally safe care (3) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other cultural groups#

Beginning#

Reflects on own assumptions, cultural beliefs and emotional reactions in providing culturally safe care
Behaves in a manner that acknowledges the impact of cultural, ethnic, spiritual, social, and economic factors on health
Knows how to find an interpreter and key community contacts

Progressing#

Identifies own cultural values that may impact on his/her role as a doctor.
Identifies own cultural norms and the impact that this may have on interactions with the community

Achieved#

Delivers culturally safe care taking into account their own cultural values and those of different cultural groups
Reflects and seeks feedback on own provision of culturally safe care
Engages interpreters and community contacts as appropriate

Footnote#

(3) Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Cultural safety is determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.

Culturally safe practice is the ongoing critical reflection of health practitioner knowledge, skills, attitudes, practising behaviours and power differentials in delivering safe, accessible and responsive healthcare free of racism.

To ensure culturally safe and respectful practice, medical practitioners must:

Acknowledge colonisation and systemic racism, social, cultural, behavioural and economic factors which impact individual and community health
Acknowledge and address individual racism, their own biases, assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices and provide care that is holistic, free of bias and racism
Recognise the importance of self-determined decision-making, partnership and collaboration in healthcare which is driven by the individual, family and community
Foster a safe working environment through leadership to support the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and colleagues.

Culturally safe and respectful practice is also important for all communities.

From the Medical Board of Australia, Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia: October 2020.

Domain 7. Practise medicine within an ethical, intellectual and professional framework#

7.1 Work within relevant national and state legislation and professional and ethical guidelines#

Beginning#

Behaves in a way that acknowledges the ethical complexity of practice & follows professional & ethical codes
Understands requirements for public health notifications
Familiar with the Medical Board of Australia’s Good Medical Practice code of conduct.
Aware of ACRRM Academic Code of Conduct

Progressing#

Makes ethical decisions and accepts responsibility for decisions made
Understands certification; WorkCover, Centrelink, care plans, billing rules, notification requirements, involuntary admission legislation

Achieved#

Makes difficult decisions
Understands when Medical Defence Organisation advice is required
Provides accurate and appropriate certification; WorkCover, Centrelink, care plans, billing rules, notification requirements, involuntary admission legislation

7.2 Keep clinical documentation in accordance with legal and professional standards#

Beginning#

Knows how to use practice management software
Uses a structure to ensure that consultation notes are clear and complete

Progressing#

Uses practice management software efficiently
Timely entry of consultation notes
Records concise, with enough information on a patient consult to allow others to follow.

Achieved#

Ensures that health summary information is complete and up dated regularly
Records are comprehensive and accurate
Undertakes record audits

7.3 Provide cost effective patient care through judicious use of resources by balancing own duty to individual patients with own duty to society#

Beginning#

Knows and considers costs and risks/benefits of different treatment options in common conditions

Progressing#

Coordinates individual patient care in a way that is sensitive to resource use, efficiency and effectiveness

Achieved#

Works in consultation with patient to consistently use resources efficiently and cost effectively including complex situations

7.4 Manage, appraise and assess own performance in the provision of medical care for patients#

Beginning#

Consults with colleagues about ethical concerns and accepts responsibility for ethical decisions

Progressing#

Demonstrates an understanding of patient competency and shared decision making

Achieved#

Checks with patient in order to check they fully understand responsibilities and how condition and treatment may impact on this.
Appreciates the legalities of caring for patients who cannot consent

7.5 Participate in quality and safety improvement and risk management activities#

Beginning#

Follows procedures and protocols
Acknowledges that errors occur in health care
Reports errors if they occur
Attends institutional quality and safety improvement and risk management meetings

Progressing#

Achieved#

Facilitates root cause analysis and debriefing of colleagues following critical incidents
Establishes and reviews processes to improve safety
Undertakes regular audit and improvement activities
Facilitates institutional quality and safety improvement and risk management activities

7.6 Teach and clinically supervise health students, junior doctors and other health professionals#

Beginning#

Conducts teaching sessions for peers and juniors
Coaches junior doctors around basic clinical tasks

Progressing#

Recognises, documents and manages adverse events and near misses
Participates in quality improvement activities
Participates in institutional quality and safety improvement and risk management activities

Achieved#

Works with peers and juniors to identify learning needs and develop and deliver an appropriate teaching session
Acts as a supervisor with the support of more senior doctor

7.7 Recognise unprofessional behaviour and signs of the practitioner in difficulty among colleagues and respond according to ethical guidelines and statutory requirements#

Beginning#

Identifies appropriate channels to report unprofessional behaviour

Progressing#

Reports unprofessional behaviour using appropriate reporting procedures

Achieved#

Develops own ability to identify and support practitioners in difficulty
Contributes to the improvement of processes for the early identification of unprofessional behaviour and support of practitioners in difficulty

7.8 Contribute to the management of human and financial resources within a health service#

Beginning#

Follows rules and obligations as determined by employer

Progressing#

Participates in facility/team meetings to contribute to effective management of service

Achieved#

Assists with staff rostering, employment and budget management as appropriate

7.9 Provide leadership in professional practice#

Beginning#

Identifies key qualities of positive leadership in professional practice

Progressing#

Reflects and develops own ability to provide leadership in professional practice

Achieved#

Provides positive leadership in professional practice

7.10 Engage in continuous learning and professional development#

Beginning#

Acknowledges and seeks to address gaps in knowledge and expertise

Progressing#

Seeks feedback from others to improve learning and performance

Achieved#

Maintains knowledge of evolving evidence around common areas of practice
Maintains a professional development plan that includes reflective practice, practice audit and outcome measures

7.11 Critically appraise and apply relevant research#

Beginning#

Describes basic epidemiology, biostatistics and clinical reasoning
Participates in research and quality improvement activities

Progressing#

Critically appraises information from others, including colleagues, experts, pharmaceutical companies, and patient education information
Works with colleagues to implement small research and quality improvement activities

Achieved#

Incorporates evidence-based decision making into clinical practice
Plans and leads small research and quality improvement activities

Domain 8. Provide safe medical care while working in geographic, social and professional isolation#

8.1 Demonstrate resourcefulness, independence and self-reliance while working effectively in geographic and professional isolation#

Beginning#

Participates in the provision of care away from other medical services

Progressing#

Learning resourcefulness when working with others in a rural or remote setting

Achieved#

Independently provides effective clinical care when distant from medical services

8.2 Develop and apply strategies for self-care, personal support and caring for family#

Beginning#

Has own GP and family has own GP

Progressing#

Recognises the value of taking timely leave
Maintains a healthy lifestyle,

Achieved#

Ensures time for other interests outside of clinical medicine
Looks after own health care needs

8.3 Establish a community network while maintaining appropriate personal and professional boundaries#

Beginning#

Behaves in ways which acknowledge the professional responsibilities relevant to his/her health care role
Describes the issues around providing care to self, family and colleagues

Progressing#

Identifies and manages occasions when duty of care clashes with confidentiality requirements
Has engaged a GP for self and for family
Respects local community norms and values in own life and work practices

Achieved#

Considers continuity of care and importance of long-term doctor patient relationship in small town context.
Considers need for confidentiality in small and close community town context.

8.4 Establish, maintain and utilise professional networks to assist with safe, optimum patient care#

Beginning#

Seeks support and information from supervisors and colleagues

Progressing#

Starts to identify a support network outside the training program

Achieved#

Developed an ongoing support network
Maintains regular contact with network through face to face and virtual means

8.5 Provide safe, effective clinical care when away from ready access to specialist medical, diagnostic and allied health services#

Beginning#

Understands the factors that contribute to safe, effective provision of care when working in professional isolation
Aware of own limitations and seeks assistance appropriately
Knowledge of symptoms and treatment for conditions more commonly encountered in rural areas including zoonoses, bites and stings.

Progressing#

Considers own expertise, local resources, support and transport when providing care
Recognises and manages conditions more commonly found in rural environments with support from supervisors

Achieved#

Works in partnership with the patient and with consideration of own expertise, local resources, support and transport to provide access to specialist medical, diagnostic and allied health services
Manages time and patient priorities working across facilities such as general practice, hospital, nursing home, ED
Recognises and manages conditions more commonly found in rural environments

8.6 Use information and communication technology to assist in diagnosis, monitoring and provision of medical care or to facilitate access to specialised care for patients#

Beginning#

Knows how to use the information and communication technology

Progressing#

Collaborates with colleagues to use information and communication technology to provide medical care or to facilitate access to specialised care for patients

Achieved#

Independently uses information and communication technology to provide medical care or to facilitate access to specialised care for patients

8.7 Identify and acquire extended knowledge and skills as may be required to meet health care needs of the local population#

Beginning#

Commits to acquisition of knowledge required to care for the local community

Progressing#

Developing skills and knowledge in response to community needs

Achieved#

Has developed skills and knowledge in response to community needs