Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training: AGPT Requirements - FAQs
Q: What is the background to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training in Australian GP Training?A: This is one of the few compulsory elements of the GP Training curriculum. The Aboriginal Health Curriculum was launched in 1996 by the RACGP and reflects the need for improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in Australia and the vital role of primary care, including General Practice, in addressing this problem.
Q: What is the desired outcome of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training for GP Registrars?
A: There are many desired outcomes. Most importantly we hope that all GPs entering the health system in Australia will be informed and culturally aware about issues involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, including efforts to improve the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. GPs are important community members and can play important roles in advocacy and support for programs about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. All GPs will have some Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients and it is hoped that some will work more directly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health during their careers.
Q: How is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training delivered within CSQTC?
A: CSQTC delivers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training in partnership with Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC). There are three compulsory segments:
- Segment 1 is a cross-cultural workshop.
- Segments 2 and 3 involve visits to Aboriginal organisations and a debriefing meeting to share the experiences.
Q: What if I have done previous work or training in Aboriginal Health?
A: This training has specific learning objectives and relates particularly to general practice and general practitioners. Thus exemption or recognition of prior learning is unlikely. However, if you feel that the actual learning objectives have been met then you can apply in writing to have your previous learning acknowledged. The outcomes will be determined on a case by case basis. CSQTC recognises the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in Australia and would encourage all GP Registrars to undertake this training, even with prior experience. In a group setting your experience may be very valuable to others.
Q: What if I am working in an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS)?
A: GP Registrars working in Aboriginal Medical Services complete the same training as other GP Registrars. The learning objectives of the visits are different to those gleaned in day-to-day work. Moreover, GP Registrars should complete their Segment 3 visit (to an AMS) in an AMS other than the one in which they are working in order to maximise the learning.
Q: What time is involved in completing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training and will I get paid for any of this time?
A: GP Registrars completion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health will involve:
- Pre-reading: Each segment has some pre-reading which is expected to be done.
- Workshop: The Segment 1 workshop and visit debrief sessions occur during normal CSQTC education/workshop time.
- Organisation visits: 2 visits of 1.5 to 2 hours each are done in the GP Registrar’s own time at a time arranged with the organisation. Some Practices will release GP Registrars in paid working time for these visits but this is negotiated with the Practice individually. CSQTC has no capacity to influence Practices in this regard.
- If a GP Registrar has to travel a significant distance to visit an organisation (the return trip must exceed 180 km) then they may be able to claim for travel expenses as per usual CSQTC travel expenses policy. Please refer to the CSQTC website, Forms and Documents for the Claim form - GP Registrars Expenses.
- If a GP Registrar has to travel a significant distance to visit an organisation (the return trip must exceed 180 km) then they may be able to claim for travel expenses as per usual CSQTC travel expenses policy. Please refer to the CSQTC website, Forms and Documents for the Claim form - GP Registrars Expenses.
A: At the start of GP Terms, GP Registrars are given a pack explaining Segment 1. At the completion of each segment a pack is given outlining the next segment and how it is to be completed.
Q: What if I am having problems, especially with organising my visits?
A: GP Registrars experiencing difficulties should contact CSQTC (Administration Officer - Education) or QAIHC (Ms Mary Martin) who can help discuss alternate visits or liaise with organisations on their behalf.
Q: Do you have any ideas for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training for GP Registrars?
A: This curriculum is currently being reviewed. Any suggestions for GP Registrar education in Aboriginal Health would be gratefully received. Please email your ideas and suggestions to Dr John Buckley.
Q: Where can I find out more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training requirements?
A: Further information can be found on the following websites:
- CSQTC website - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training
- AGPT website - Indigenous Health
- RACGP website - Curriculum for Australian General Practice