Frequently Asked Questions for GP Accreditation

The Standards aim to protect patients from harm by improving the quality and safety of health services. They support general practices in identifying and addressing gaps in their systems and processes. The 5th edition of the Standards was launched at GP17 in October 2017.

The 5th edition of the Standards was developed over a three-year period in consultation with general practitioners (GPs), practice managers, nurses, consumers, technical experts, government representatives, and many other stakeholders. The process included:
•     targeted stakeholder workshops throughout Australia
•     three rounds of public consultation
•     three rounds of testing and piloting.
All available evidence was reviewed during development of the 5th edition of the Standards. In addition, all comparable national and international standards, as well as the International Society for Quality in Health Care
(ISQua) Standards, were considered. The Standards also underwent medico-legal and plain-English reviews.

The 5th edition of the Standards has been developed using a modular format. The new format provides a mechanism for the Standards to be adapted to suit other settings where general practice services take place,  such as prisons or immigration detention centers.
Another major change in the new edition is that Indicators have moved from process-focused to outcome-focused and are patient-centered (where applicable). Outcome-focused Indicators encourage practices to set up systems and processes that reflect the unique needs of their practice. As a result, the Standards and the accreditation process will be more meaningful for practices, making it easier for practices to develop and maintain their quality and safety processes.
The Indicators have also been simplified where appropriate.

There are 14 fewer Indicators in the 5th edition of the Standards. This has been achieved by removing duplication, merging Indicators that shared a similar theme and focusing on outcomes rather than processes. Based on stakeholder feedback, the explanatory notes have been restructured for each Criterion and include:
•     why the Criterion is important
•     meeting the Criterion
•     meeting each Indicator.

The RACGP has developed supplementary guides to the Standards:
•     Patient feedback guide (5th edition)
•     Resource guide (5th edition)

The  Practice Incentives Program (PIP) and the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) provide financial incentives to general practices to provide quality care and improve access and health outcomes for patients.

Those wanting to apply for PIP and/or WIP must meet certain eligibility criteria. One of these criteria is to be accredited, or registered for accreditation, to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices.