WHAT'S NEW?

By The College
Contact the author by e-mail at christopher.johnstone@ntlworld.com

New Version of Practice Accreditation Announced

RCGP Scotland and NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) have announced the release of a new version of Practice Accreditation, which reflects the standards included in the Quality and Outcomes Framework of the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract.

The new version, Practice Accreditation 1A, has been released now to help practices that have yet to achieve PA do so with a version that is relevant to the contract. This version is not intended to be the mechanism by which external evaluation of the Quality and Outcome Framework is measured; however it will help practices choose which optional criteria they might undertake as they work towards preparing for the new contract.

A decision on the future of PA in relation to the new contract will be taken later in 2004.

Copies of the new criteria will be available for sale in mid-March, priced £10 each. Members can download the document from the RCGP Scotland web site: www.rcgp-scotland.org.uk

New GP Curriculum

Scottish Council members received a presentation on the new GP Training Curriculum from the Chair of the RCGP Education Network’s Curriculum Review Group, Professor Steve Field, at is meeting last month. Plans are that doctors graduating in 2005 will go into the new two-year Foundation Programme, which may include a four-month attachment in general practice for all doctors, not just those aiming for a career in primary care. The two year Foundation Programme will be followed by a period of specialist training, the length of which will vary across specialties however it is expected that GP Registrars will spend a further three years in training, thus extending the current programme by a year.

Further details are available from www.gpcurriculum.co.uk . Members can download a copy of the presentation at:
www.rcgp-scotland.org.uk/publications .

New Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education for General Practice

A new distance learning package which allows GPs and other members of the primary healthcare team to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education in General Practice has been jointly established by the Centre for Medical Education at the University of Dundee and RCGP.

The course, which can be completed entirely by distance learning, has been designed specifically for those involved in primary healthcare teaching or training to help them improve their knowledge and skills as teachers and to have a better understanding of education and curriculum development.

Further details are available by email from c.m.e.courses@dundee.ac.uk .

hoolet is the magazine of RCGP Scotland. It is supported intellectually, financially and emotionally by RCGP Scotland.

This issue maintained by Robert Hallam.