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Discussion Paper 'Workforce Requirements for New Models of Service Delivery: Proposed Changes to the General Practice Education Programme'

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Health Workforce New Zealand and the Medical Council of New Zealand have published proposals for a new model of GP training for implementation starting in 2012.

The three organisations believe that the changes outlined will benefit both GPs and patients by creating a more diverse and flexible GP role that better meets the needs of local communities.

Key recommendations are:

  • The current three year duration of the General Practice Education Programme would be retained, divided into basic training (GPEP1), where the majority of time is spent in general practice settings, and advanced training (GPEP2 and GPEP3).
  • Over the full 36 months of GPEP six to eight months should be spent in hospital-based practice.
  • All GP registrars (and Fellows) should have the option of developing enhanced skills within the current scope of general practice, by undertaking advanced competency modules which can be initiated during GPEP2 or GPEP3 and completed once Fellowship is attained. 
  • A compulsory academic component would be introduced to the programme.
  • The current assessment process would be amended to include practice-based assessments in both hospital and general practice settings. The current written examination (PRIMEX) would change to a summative modular assessment using Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) with the modular assessments being undertaken at any stage of the programme, as appropriate to the trainee, while the current clinical examination (PRIMEX) would remain essentially the same but may move to the second year of training.
  • The current GPEP1 bursary will be enhanced, while work continues in the longer term towards all vocational trainees being employed and remunerated on an equitable basis.

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© Ministry of Health – Manatu Hauora, 2012