The Blended Supervision Pilot (BSP) Project, supported by Australian Department of Health and Ageing FATES funding (Flexible Approach to Training in Expanded Settings), aims to improve access to FACEM training opportunities in rural and remote areas. The pilot is evaluating whether sites that are not currently accredited for FACEM Core ED training could provide a 6 FTE month, 100% ED training placement for a FACEM Trainee using a blended supervision model. The model is a combination of onsite clinical supervision and remote training supervision.

ACEM is committed to improving outcomes for regional, rural and remote (RRR) ED patients. The BSP is one of several initiatives to promote this by providing high-quality ED training in expanded RRR settings.

While RRR rotations have not been mandated for FACEM trainees, revisions to the program in 2022 saw the non-major referral core ED time increase from 6 to 12 months. The impact of this on RRR sites is a focus of the 2022 revised FACEM Training Program ongoing evaluation.

ACEM is also promoting RRR placements through the Regional, Rural and Remote Placement Information Guide.

Pilot Site Criteria

To ensure the effective and safe delivery of the Blended Supervision model, pilot sites must meet specific criteria:

  • Site Requirements: Level 3+ as per the revised S12 guideline.
  • Clinical Supervision: Onsite Fellow (FACEM, FACRRM, FRACGP, or FRACP) available for 50% of the trainee’s rostered time, with appropriate on-call support.
  • Training Supervision: A local onsite supervisor (FACEM, FACRRM, FRACGP, or FRACP) and a remote Director of Emergency Medicine Training (DEMT).
  • Educational Support: An average of 4 hours per week of structured, protected education time, with up to 50% of this potentially delivered remotely from another site.
  • Assessment: Trainees are expected to complete regular workplace-based assessments (WBAs) in line with their training stage, with a recommended WBA completion rate of once per month.
  • Trainee Eligibility: Only one trainee per site. Must be in TS2/3 and undertaking training towards core ED or maintenance training. Trainees in Additional Training Time are not eligible.
  • Placement: A 6-month full-time equivalent (FTE) core ED placement.
 

Pilot Sites

2024

2025
  • Broome Hospital (WA)
  • Northeast Health Wangaratta (VIC)
  • Busselton Hospital (WA)
  • Tennant Creek Hospital (NT)
  • Macksville District Hospital (NSW)
  • Warwick Hospital (QLD)

Please note: No additional sites are being accepted for this pilot.

 

Evaluation and Timelines

The BSP will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the feasibility of incorporating the blended supervision model into the FACEM Training Program. The ACEM Council of Education will consider the findings and make a recommendation regarding this supervision model.

  • Placement Period: August 2024 – February 2026
  • Evaluation Period: February 2025 – March 2026
  • Outcome: A final decision by ACEM's Council of Education (COE) is expected by April 2026.

For more information, please contact Penny Holmes at edu@acem.org.au.

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