ACEM is committed to improving outcomes for regional, rural and remote (RRR) ED patients. The Blended Supervision Pilot (BSP) Project 2022-2025 evaluated an alternative approach to high-quality ED training in expanded RRR setting. In December 2025, the Council of Education and ACEM Board approved the implementation of the BSP model. It has become an important mechanism to support the implementation of the RRR Training Requirement (for new trainees from 2027).
The BSP allows smaller RRR sites that are otherwise ineligible for standard FACEM ED accreditation to provide a six FTE month, 100 per cent ED training FACEM Trainee placement using a blended supervision model. The model is a combination of onsite clinical supervision (FACEM or RG, including FDRHMNZ with EM qualification), and remote training (ACEM DEMT) supervision.
Which sites can offer BSP?
RRR Emergency departments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand that are not currently accredited for FACEM Training Program Core ED can apply, provided they meet the BSP site criteria (details in the BSP Guidelines)
How does the BSP model work?
An on-site Local Supervisor (FACEM or RG, including FDRHMNZ with EM qualification) is the Trainee’s main support during the placement. An off-site DEMT collaborates to support the trainee, completing the 3 monthly In Training Assessment with input from the Local Supervisor. On-site education can be complemented by collaborative off-site education programs.
Trainees can complete a maximum of 6 FTE months of ED time at approved sites. This may be undertaken as :
- Blended Supervision (Training Stage 2 or 3 only) – up to 6 FTE months
OR
- In a combination of BSP(Training Stage 2 or 3 only) + Overseas ED (Training Stage 1, 2 or 3) – up to 6 FTE months
A BSP approved ED can have a maximum of one (1) FTE FACEM trainee at any one time. This could be shared by 2 x 0.5 FTE trainees.
A BSP site cannot also hold ACEM approval for Rural/Remote SSP. When a current Rural/Remote SSP approved site is approved for BSP, the Rural/Remote SSP approval will lapse.
BSP applications for new sites are now open.
How to apply for BSP approval?
If your site appears to be eligible for BSP based on the self-assessment questionnaire outcome, refer to the following documents to prepare your application:
For questions regarding BSP and the approval process contact [email protected]
For further information on ACEM accreditation, please refer to the ACEM Accreditation section.
For a list of approved BSP sites, please refer to “Where can I do my training?” section.