A new framework from the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) will include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and ways of being and doing in general practitioner education and training nation-wide.
The RACGP's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Health Training Framework was launched on Thursday at a GP conference on Whadjuk Noongar Country.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical education experts and leaders led the development of the framework they hope will improve health outcomes for Indigenous people.
RACGP National Clinical Head of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Training, Olivia O’Donoghue, said the framework aims to drive transformational change.
“Holding space for and prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and wisdom is essential for the transformative change needed to enhance training and health outcomes for Our Peoples,” she said.
The framework focuses on 12 guiding principles:
- Decolonisation
- Sovereignty
- Self-determination
- Indigenisation
- Cultural safety
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership
- Equity
- Strengths-based approaches
- Racism, discrimination and privilege
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, and ways of knowing, being and doing
- Indigenous data sovereignty
O'Donoghue said the principles will underpin the way RACGP 'grows and evolves' in its support of 50,000 GPs across Australia and the 'next generation' of GPs in training.
Dr Karen Nicholls, a Torres Strait Islander woman and Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, said she is proud of the College’s leadership in developing the first of its kind framework.
“It’s essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and GPs’ clinical education is framed by the needs and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities,” she said.
“This framework embeds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and knowledge across the College and our GP training program.
"As part of the plan, we’re aiming for 100 per cent participation in cultural and health education among GPs in training and higher numbers of practising GPs undertaking training, as well as progress to grow Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP workforce.”
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said the framework marks an important step forward.
“As the peak body responsible for training 90 per cent of Australia’s GPs, the RACGP is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by supporting and training our GPs to deliver culturally safe care,” she said.
“Recognising rights and sovereignty is essential to close the gap in health inequities.
"Our framework will ensure this is visible across the College, and will enhance our GP training program, ultimately helping to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
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