Professional Standards

Professional Standards provides the strategic direction for professional standards matters relating to Fellows and surgery. The department is responsible for the full range of issues relating to:

• the development and implementation of professional standards related policies, position papers and guidelines
• preparing standards related submissions and advocacy
• setting policy for the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program.

The department is governed by the Professional Standards Committee

The RACS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program is developed in consultation with specialty societies, associations and regional committees to ensure patient safety and maintain surgical standards.

 

• Overview
• How to access your CPD in the RACS Portfolio
• CPD Program Guide

CPD review

RACS is currently undertaking a thorough review of the CPD program, with a revised CPD program to be launched in 2021. We value your feedback and input as we undertake this review. Please email Professional.Standards@surgeons.org or call +61 3 9249 1166 to discuss any areas of the review.

RACS is developing a suite of microlearning activities; these are bite sized, interactive learning opportunities, which are easily accessible via mobile phone, tablet or computer. The activities capture key messages and focus on the immediate information required with links to tools and resources for the learner to gain a deeper understanding on topics related to standards matters

Informed Consent
Informed Financial Consent
My Health Record
Open Disclosure
RACS Surgeons Health Activity: 5 to Thrive
Reflective Practice

New 2021 CPD microlearning activity

RACS is developing a broad range of microlearning activities, we value your feedback of this pilot.

RACS contributes to a range of consultations in Australia and New Zealand. Professional Standards related advocacy and submissions related to broad topics that effect our Fellows and are developed with input from our boards, committees, specialty groups and sections.

• RACS response to the Medical Board of Australia, Draft revised Registration standard: Continuing Professional Development
• Inquiry on steps that can be taken to reduce Australia’s road accident rates, trauma and deaths on our roads

RACS welcomes an invitation to provide feedback on the Department of Health guideline for providers of liposuction. A best practice guideline for all providers of liposuction in Victoria to increase the effectiveness of health regulation in improving patient outcomes and experience for all Victorians. 
In preparing a response, RACS appreciates input from Fellows. This consultation is open until 20 February 2022.

• Download guidelines (DOCX 350.99KB) (DOCX 350.99KB)
   

Professional Standards develop a range of Fellow resources, prepare policy, position papers, guidelines and articles.

• Informed Financial Consent
• RACS Continuing Professional Development Guide

 

Surgical Competence and Performance Guide

The third edition of the RACS Surgical Competence and Performance Guide provides a framework to aid the assessment and development of surgeons across all areas of surgical practice. These competencies underpin all aspects of Fellowship and provides a framework for the assessment of practising surgeons.

• Surgical Competence and Performance Guide (PDF 2.7MB) (PDF 7MB)
• Assessment (PDF 184.65KB) (PDF 184.65KB)
• Resources and Support (pending)

Colonoscopy

The Surgical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Committee (SGEC) support issues impacting endoscopy and colonoscopy in Australia and New Zealand surgeons.

• Colonoscopy certification
• CANCELLED: Colonoscopy Skills Workshop, May in Melbourne, in association with the National Endoscopy Training Initiative (NETI).

  An update will be provided shortly regarding the future of this activity.

The RACS Trauma Committee and its sub-committees have a long history of development and activity in trauma prevention and the management of trauma patients.

The Trauma Verification program is a leading mechanism for quality improvement and endorsement of Australian and New Zealand trauma care.

Professional Standards
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
250-290 Spring Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9249 1274
Fax: +61 3 9276 7432
Email: professional.standards@surgeons.org