The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has released a new profession-led benchmark for quality and safety in Australian general practice.
The release of the sixth edition of the Standards for general practices marks 30 years since the first edition in 1996, and follows an extensive review and consultation process to ensure they meet the needs of GPs. It features new and updated topics, including:
- defining and planning for your practice
- environmental sustainability
- artificial intelligence
- reprocessing – for practices that reprocess reusable medical devices
- engaging consumers
- continuous quality improvement.
The Standards represent the latest evolution of general practice, and through a stronger emphasis on person-centred care, build on established principles to support GPs to meet the expectations of patients.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said patients’ needs, preferences, and experiences are embedded throughout the new Standards.
“Shared decision-making and patient-centred care are core to good general practice,” he said.
“The perspectives of our patients have been embedded in the Standards through consumer expectation statements, ensuring these are central to the delivery of care.
“The Standards aim to support practices as they adapt to modern consumer expectations, consider how AI can improve care, implement environmental sustainability, and thrive in an often-challenging financial environment.
“They’re also strongly outcomes-focused, and don’t prescribe rigid processes. They provide flexibility for practices to implement systems that suit their circumstances, while meeting the expectations of our patients for high-quality care that’s tailored to their needs.
“Whether your practice is already accredited or considering accreditation, the Standards will support and guide you and your team.”
Dr Louise Acland, Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Standards for General Practices, said the new Standards represent “continuity amid change”.
“While the sixth edition introduces important innovations, its greatest strength may be its continuity,” she said.
“The core principles established nearly 30 years ago remain firmly intact: a commitment to whole-person care, recognition of the diversity of general practice settings, and confidence in peer review and professional ownership of standards. Accreditation was envisioned not merely as a compliance exercise, but as a mechanism to support excellence in patient care and provide a visible measure of quality.
“Our aim with the Standards is to provide GPs and practice teams with continuity amid change.
“The principles of the first general practice standards continue to guide accreditation today: professional leadership, continuous quality improvement, and public accountability.
“This continuity provides reassurance for practices and stakeholders alike. Expectations may evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities, but the fundamental philosophy underpinning accreditation remains stable, familiar, and trusted.”
Dr Acland said a key element of this approach has been the collaborative spirit that has characterised practice accreditation since its inception.
“The Standards were informed by extensive consultation with GPs, practice teams, and sector stakeholders, alongside consumer engagement, evidence reviews, and pilot testing,” she said.
“This inclusive approach has helped ensure the Standards are both rigorous and practical, capable of supporting implementation across the diverse settings in which Australian general practice operates.”
As healthcare continues to evolve, Dr Acland said general practice faces both new opportunities and new challenges.
“Digital transformation, changing patient expectations, and the health impacts of climate change are among the issues shaping the future landscape,” she said.
“The sixth edition provides a framework that is both forward-looking and grounded in the profession’s enduring values.
“The Standards reinforce the role of accreditation not simply as a regulatory requirement, but as a driver of quality improvement, professional integrity and public trust.”
GPs and practice teams can explore the Standards for general practices (6th edition) on the RACGP website.
Transitions and implementation arrangements regarding the sixth edition under the National General Practice Accreditation (NGPA) Scheme will be published soon on the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care’s website.
~ENDS
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the voice of general practitioners (GPs) in our growing cities and throughout rural and remote Australia. For more than 60 years, we’ve supported the backbone of Australia’s health system by setting the standards for education and practice and advocating for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
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