Continuing professional development (CPD) or medical education (CME) is critical to maintaining the high standards expected from the medical profession and from patients. It is essential that clinical skills are maintained through participation in CDP or CME activities. A number of Queensland Health programs are available in the workplace and through external training providers.
Below is a brief outline of some of the providers and associated programs.
The centre for International Medical Graduates (CIMG) is located within the Skills Development Centre (SDC) and has provided programs for IMGs preparing for the two Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations since 1996. Assistance is offered to doctors employed by Queensland Health for the following:
For further information please contact CIMG@health.qld.gov.au
The Queensland Health online education portal Clinician Development Education Service (CDES) offers interactive flexible e-learning programs across a wide range of topics available 24 hours from work or home.
Click here for further information.
The Queensland Health Skills Development Centre (SDC) is one of the most comprehensive skills development centres in the world. Opened in 2004, it has a complete suite of virtual reality and simulation training equipment. Located in the campus of the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in Brisbane, the SDC provides doctors and other healthcare professionals with tools and training to improve their skills and enhance the quality of patient care.
A number of self-directed, flexible, online e-learning programs are available online through the SDC to all Queensland Health staff including Evidence Based Medicine (EBM).
Click here for further information on the SDC and e-learning programs and courses.
ClinEdQ has been established to ensure a more coordinated approach to clinical education and training across the health professions. Aiming to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical education and training to meet the future healthcare needs of the people of Queensland, ClinEdQ will lead by innovation and collaboration to develop best practice learning frameworks for health. ClinEdQ takes a state-wide, multi-professional approach to clinical education and training.
Click here for further information.
Queensland Medical Education and Training (QMET) has recently been established as the statewide body for strategy, innovation and coordination of medical education and training activities within Queensland Health. QMET has brought together a diverse and experienced team to advance this state as a leader in educational initiatives and collaboration across the education continuum.
The QMET team works closely with groups such as health service districts, medical education units, specialist Colleges, the Medical Workforce Advice and Coordination Unit, universities, and other key educational providers within and external to Queensland Heatlh.
QMET's role encompasses planning, networking and coordination, supporting innovation in medical education, the promotion of evidence-based education and the alignment of clinical education with workforce need.
QMET currently coordinates a number of activities including:
If you are interested in finding out more about QMET email us at ClinEdQ_QMET@health.qld.gov.au.
The office of Rural and Remote Health was established as part fo the move to the new 15 district structure. The office consist of units in Roma, Toowoomba and Cairns bringing together various groups primarily concerned with rural health issues under one structure. Its role will encompass developing a sustainable health workforce and supporting the development of new service models for rural and remote Queensland. The office will also support the CEOs of the Torres Strait-Northern Peninsula, Cape York, Mt Isa, Central Western and South Western District Health Services.
Queensland Health also funds three (3) training units based in non-metropolitan areas to support staff working in rural and remote areas.
These centres are:
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is a peak professional association for rural medical education and training in Australia. ACRRM's core function is to determine an uphold the standards that define an govern competent unsupervised rural and remote medical practice. It is commited to providing sound training and continuing medical eductaion.
A doctor awarded a Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) via the new assessment process, has access to Medicare benefits. Continuing professional development is available to rural doctors through the ACRRM Professional Development Program that includes Rural and Remote Medical Education Online (RRMEO).
For further information visit the ACRRM website.
Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) is a three of four year full-time postgraduate vocational training program for medical graduates wishing to pursue a career in general practice and/or rural and remote medicine in Australia. The AGPT program is funded by the Australian Government, provided by General Practice Education and Training Ltd (GPET Ltd) and delivered throughout Australia by 21 regional training providers (RTPs). GP registrars (ie. a trainee enrolled in the AGPT program) meets the medical education standards set by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
For further information about AGPT or RTPs in Queensland click here.
The Clinical Practice Improvement Centre (CPIC) works at both the clinician and strategic level to improve the quality and safety of patient care in Queensland. The CPIC operates within the Centre for Heatlhcare Improvement which was established in 2005.
The key objective of the Clinical Practice Improvement Centre is to improve patient outcomes in high impact areas by suppporting and working with clinicians to better understand issues related to their clinical services and how these may be addressed. High impact areas are chosen for CPIC-supported clinical improvement activities. These are major healthcare areas, where a significant gap exists between current and evidence-based best practice, and where there are realistic and sustainable improvement options.
CPIC monitors clinical performance and patient experience and at a strategic level provides the broader community with information on patient safety and quality in Queensland Health. It contributes to the science of quality improvement through generating innovative approaches to healthcare.
CPICs methods are based on models which have been successfully used in developing sustained improvements in service quality and efficiency in the USA (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) and the UK (NHS Modernisation Agency).
For further information click here.