Patient numbers for GP Registrars in GP Terms - FAQs

How many patients should a GP Registrar see during their first 12 months (full-time equivalent) of general practice placements?
The RACGP Standards stipulate that:

• all GP Registrars must average at least 8 patients per 3.5 hour session; and
• GP Registrars in their first year in general practice must not book more than 4 patients per hour.

The ACRRM Standards do not provide set parameters in this regard but do provide guidelines.  Further details are provided below.

CSQTC further stipulates that:

• in the first 3 months of general practice, GP Registrars should average 2-3 patients per hour, with a minimum of 50 and maximum of 100 consultations per week. 
• in the second 3 months of general practice, GP Registrars should average 3-4 patients per hour, with a minimum of 50 and maximum of 110 consultations per week. 
• from 6 months onwards, GP Registrars should average 3-4 patients per hour, with a minimum of 60 and maximum of 130 consultations per week.
  

How many patients should a GP Registrar see from months 13 (full-time equivalent) onwards of general practice terms?
The RACGP Standards stipulate that all GP Registrars must average at least 8 patients per 3.5 hour session. CSQTC further recommends that GP Registrars from months 13 onwards should average 4 standard consultations per hour.  It is recognised that a higher or lower figure may, at times, be both necessary and desirable.

The ACRRM Standards do not provide set parameters in this regard but do provide guidelines.  Further details are provided below.

Does ACRRM make stipulations regarding patient numbers for GP Registrars undertaking training towards FACRRM?
ACRRM does not set parameters in regard to patient numbers/GP Registrar workload. ACRRM states that consideration has to be given to the learner’s experience and the types of services rendered. However, the clinical load should mean that the learner is occupied most of the working day, allowing for the above factors and normal daily and seasonal fluctuations.  The ACRRM training post must provide the learner with an adequate but not excessive patient workload. 

Does CSQTC make further stipulations for patient numbers in relation to GP Registrars undertaking training towards FACRRM only?
Where a CSQTC GP Registrar is undertaking training towards FACRRM only, and is working in a private general practice setting for his/her first 12 months placements, CSQTC will apply the above CSQTC stipulations as documented in question 1.

Where can I find information about the standards and guidelines relating to the recommended patient load for GP Registrars?
Information can be found in two sources:

1. The RACGP Standards for General Practice Education and Training – Trainers and Training Posts (Standards T.38 to T.40). This is available on the RACGP website http://www.racgp.org.au/vocationaltraining/standards
   
2. The ACRRM Standards for Training Posts and Teachers. This is available on the ACRRM website http://www.acrrm.org.au/main.asp?NodeID=90.
   
3. Agreement between CSQTC and Training Practices and GP Trainers. This agreement was issued to Practices when they were offered a position as a CSQTC Training Practice.