A festive brew of accreditation insights with Gary Smith AM and Paula Davey

On 3 December 2024, AGPAL’s Coffee with Gary series concluded the year with a special festive edition before the season break. This session adopted a slightly different format, incorporating an extended Q&A segment to address attendees’ pressing questions alongside the usual engaging discussions. Joining Gary Smith AM was Paula Davey, an experienced Co-Surveyor and former Practice Manager, who shared her expertise on accreditation processes and best practices.

Key topics and highlights

The session was structured around seven key topics, providing attendees with a comprehensive overview of accreditation:

1. The purpose of accreditation and evolution of the RACGP Standards
   • Gary outlined the progression from the 4th to the 5th edition of the RACGP Standards, emphasising the shift to outcomes-focused criteria and the integration of “Musts” versus “Coulds” indicators.
   • He also previewed the draft RACGP Standards 6th edition, likely to debut in 2026, featuring a streamlined framework, consumer collaboration, and a stronger emphasis on environmental sustainability.
2. The extended benefits of accreditation
   • Paula highlighted how accreditation enhances practice operations, supports continuous improvement, and strengthens team culture. She also noted financial and operational benefits, including improved patient safety and eligibility for Medicare’s Practice Incentives Program (PIP) payments.
3. Myth-busting misconceptions
   • A key takeaway was debunking myths about evidence requirements, empowering practices to focus on relevant documentation instead of unnecessary records.
4. Preparing for accreditation
   • Gary and Paula provided practical advice on effective accreditation preparation, emphasising tools like AGPAL’s AccreditationPro, engaging AGPAL’s Client Liaison Officers for personalised support, and arranging your own mock on-site assessments to identify and address gaps early.
5. Unpacking the surveyor’s role
   • Gary and Paula explained the surveyor’s dual role in assessing compliance and providing guidance during on-site assessments. They shared insights into overcoming common challenges faced during assessments.
6. Stories of success
   • Paula shared inspiring examples of practices that used accreditation to drive quality improvement, including the transformative journey of Kyabram Regional Clinic.
7. Interactive Q&A
   • The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where attendees explored topics such as transitioning between accreditation agencies, understanding Medicare requirements, and managing clinical waste protocols.

Looking ahead to 2025

With the transition to the 6th edition Standards on the horizon, AGPAL remains dedicated to supporting practice teams on their accreditation journey.

Our team will continue to provide our clients with updates as we continue to work with the RACGP as they refine and test the RACGP Standards 6th edition.

We appreciate your patience as we wait for further information regarding timelines and program readiness. We’re committed to providing you with timely updates to ensure you and your team are informed and prepared for this transition when the time comes.

Through tailored guidance, practical tools, and ongoing educational initiatives, AGPAL is on hand to empower practices as they continue to enhance excellence in quality care. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to engage with expert insights and support, and be sure to sign up to be notified about upcoming AGPAL webinars to support your accreditation journey.