"Competence Assurance Process Must not Become a GP Burden"

College past-President Dr Michael Flynn has warned that the latest competence assurance procedures introduced by the Medical Council should not become a burden which might result in taking up GP time which could be better devoted to patient care, or an administrative/financial burden on already overstretched GPs.

Speaking at the recent launch of the Medical Council's Performance in Practice document, Dr Flynn said the College agreed with the principles of the Council's plan but the details have yet to be fully considered, tested and costed. He pointed out that the College is one of the medical bodies which has worked closely with the Council over the years to ensure the highest possible standards in GP training and continuing education.

"There is an enormous level of participation by the profession in continuing education and professional development - there are over 1,500 GP education meetings/workshops each year under the ICGP and up to 669 GPs are already participating in competence assurance on a voluntary basis."

As part of the Council's next stage of the CA process, a pilot study is being carried out in which GPs are being asked to take part on a voluntary basis. The process involves medical, non-medical peers and patients reviewing their practice. If the pilot is successful, the programme will be rolled out to other specialties.

CA processes currently being implemented by the Council are expected to form the basis of statutory and compulsory CA programmes which will be introduced under the new Medical Practitioners Act next year. See also www.medicalcouncil.ie.