Workforce Planning Strategy

Recommendation 1 – Accredited Training Networks
 
ACEM will establish a new, integrated system of FACEM training site accreditation that includes a series of accredited training networks across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Each network would be assessed against the ACEM training site accreditation standards, and include an appropriately defined range of sites, with consideration given to the case-mix, patient presentation numbers and geographic location of each site and the overall network training experience.

Each of the sites that make up the networks will comprise of a set number of accredited training posts, the numbers to be developed through consultation with jurisdictional stakeholders as employers and funders of the system.

There will be a formal agreement that the sites involved in a defined EM Training Network will work together to provide an integrated and comprehensive training program experience and deliver safe, high-quality quality training.

The College will encourage where relevant, the formation of networks that contain a combination of sites that allow for predominantly regional, rural and remote (RR) training. As such, a significant range of regional and RRR health services can choose to provide an integrated FACEM training experience across a range of RRR sites.

To receive ACEM accreditation, each network will need to demonstrate that they are able to provide an adequate depth and breadth of sites and experiences that will allow a trainee to meet ALL FACEM Training Program requirements within that network, throughout the length of the training pathway. They may be tailored to meet differing jurisdictional needs.

Recommendation 2 – Rural Training and Rural Training Sites
 
As part of establishing a new integrated system of accreditation that includes a series of accredited training networks within each jurisdiction, it is recommended that each network have an appropriate balance of metropolitan and RRR training sites to satisfy all training program requirements.
 
All future FACEM trainees (date to be determined) will also be required to undertake a minimum six-month RRR training placement within an accredited training network.
 
Each network will therefore be expected to facilitate and ensure the appropriate rotation of FACEM trainees through their respective RRR training sites.
 

Recommendation 3 – Remote Supervision

As part of improving access to rural FACEM training opportunities, it is recommended that the feasibility of a blended supervision model is explored, which sees traditional face-to-face clinical supervision supported with some remote clinical supervision/telesupervision.

It is recommended that this work is undertaken through a pilot remote supervision/telesupervision model, to establish the resources and tools required to implement and sustain a blended supervision training post, which is trialled via a network of accredited rural training sites.

Remote supervision arrangements should not compromise patient or trainee safety, or the quality of training placements, but instead be a mechanism to improve the range and variety of RRR settings capable of establishing FACEM training posts / achieving ACEM accreditation.

This recommendation is intended to facilitate a unique training opportunity – it is not intended that virtual clinical support replace in-person specialist workforce requirements.
 

Recommendation 4 – Non-FACEM senior decision makers

As part of improving access to the non-FACEM consultant level (e.g. FACCRM/FRACGP/Rural Generalist) and non-FACEM middle grade EM workforce, it is recommended that ACEM develop detailed guidelines for health services regarding medical workforce models utilising appropriate non-FACEM senior decision makers, and further define the expected qualifications for this role.
 
ACEM must further define, develop, promote and help to embed different models of care that utilise alternative senior decision makers that are suitable across a range of settings and locations.
 
This will be done in consultation with a range of external stakeholders involved in the delivery of emergency care. Future workforce model guidelines (including any revisions to G23 Guidelines on Constructing and Retaining a Senior Emergency Medicine Workforce) may be considered for inclusion into accreditation requirements, in the future.