New training kit launched for doctors in dangerous situations

The kit, General Practice: A safe place, will assist GPs and other surgery staff with to equip themselves with the skills to create a safe physical environment and minimise potentially violent situations.

The new kit has been developed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners following a grant of $236,368 from the Rudd Government.

GPs make a vital contribution to ensuring the well-being of the community every day. This new training kit will assist them with their well-being when undertaking their essential roles.

The 2006 murder of 51-year-old GP Khulod Maarouf-Hassan in her own Melbourne surgery, highlighted that GPs and their staff are dealing with potentially violent situations - and what can be the devastating consequence of that violence.

This new kit has involved the development of a booklet containing practical tools and tips for promoting safety in general practice.

In addition, an online education module will provide training for GPs, surgery administrative staff, registrars, students and other related health professionals.

This material will be a valuable resource in GPs’ surgeries throughout Australia both as a reference guide and as a training tool for GPs and their staff.

A free copy of the General Practice – A safe place: tips and tools booklet will be sent to every practice in Australia. The booklet and an accompanying education module, which includes case studies and responses, are also available through the RACGP website.