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Key changes to the National Framework

Following are the key changes that will be implemented as a result of the review of the National Framework.  

  • Expanded to PGY2
  • New entrustable professional activities (EPAs) that describe key work (focus on clinical training) and assessment of the EPAs (increase opportunities for feedback based on observed clinical practice)
  • Global judgment at the end of the year by a panel rather than an individual
  • New and strengthened Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcome statements

National standards for programs and terms 

  • Mandated use of the national standards
  • Expanded to PGY2
  • Mandated term supervisor training (within 3 years)
  • New and strengthened Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander standards
  • Strengthened wellbeing standards
  • Changes to structure
  • IN FUTURE – Mandated community terms

Requirements for programs and terms 

  • Focus on the program rather than terms – replaced current mandatory term requirements (10 weeks surgery/ 10      weeks medicine/ 8 weeks emergency medical care) with parameters more appropriate to current health context
  • New parameters that will ensure a breadth of experience but with more flexibility and a focus on quality of learning
  • No major changes
  • Minor wording changes to reflect expansion to PGY2 and mandated national standards
  • New Domain “Purpose” combined with existing Domain 1 “Governance”
  • Included requirement in the Domains to use and respond to external sources of data (e.g. the Medical Training      Survey)

The New National Framework Documents 

The revised two-year framework is provided below. The Medical Board of Australia has approved the standards and requirements relating to PGY1 training within the National Framework. PGY1 is to be implemented in 2024. PGY2 may be implemented in either 2024 or 2025. The PGY2 components may be implemented across a jurisdiction at the same time or Postgraduate Medical Councils and health services may decide that some health services will implement PGY2 in 2024 and others in 2025.

1. Training and assessment – Training and assessment requirements for prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training programs - download full PDF
Section 2 – Prevocational Training
Document Part Description
Prevocational outcome statements (Section 2 Part A)

Prevocational outcome statements (Section 2 Part A)
The Prevocational outcome statements state the broad and significant outcomes that prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) doctors should achieve by the end of their programs.

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) (Section 2 Part B)

Describe the key work of PGY1 and PGY2 doctors. The EPAs prioritise clinical experience as a critical part of prevocational training. The assessment of EPAs will increase structured opportunities for observation, feedback and learning and inform global judgements at the end of terms/ years. 

Record of learning (Section 2 Part C)

Supports the revised training and assessment process, includes an outline of and access to training and assessment material, records of achievement of training requirements (including the prevocational outcome statements) and of assessments. 

Section 3 – Prevocational Assessment
Document Part Description
Assessment approach (Section 3 Part A)

Details requirements for assessing prevocational doctors (PGY1 and PGY2) participating in accredited training programs. Based on prevocational doctors achieving outcomes stated in the prevocational outcome statements.

Improving performance (Section 3 Part B)

Outlines the supportive and constructive educational approach for prevocational doctors experiencing difficulties. Includes the process to address performance concerns, emphasises early identification and feedback and support.

Certifying completion of PGY1 and PGY2 training (Section 3 Part C)

States requirements to certify completion for prevocational doctors (PGY1 and PGY2) participating in accredited training programs. Completion requirements differ for PGY1 and PGY2.

National assessment forms (Section 3 Part D)

Summarises the national assessment forms to support a consistent approach to assessment and the development process. 

Prevocational training term assessment form

Form to support assessment and the performance of prevocational doctors, and to support decisions for satisfactory completion of each year. Used during mid and end of term assessments.

Prevocational training entrustable professional activity (EPA) assessment forms

Form used to assess an EPA of a prevocational doctor. The form includes an entrustability rating; the level of supervision required for the junior doctor to perform this work safely.

2. Training environment – National standards and requirements for prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training programs and terms
Or skip to a section – download a specific section of the PDF
Document Part Description
National standards for prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training programs and terms (Section 2)

Outlines the requirements for process, systems and resources that contribute to good quality prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training.

Requirements for prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training programs and terms (Section 3)

Requirements for prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training programs and terms (Section 3)Outlines the experience that prevocational doctors should obtain during programs and terms. The requirements for PGY1 build on the Medical Board of Australia’s Registration standard – Australian and New Zealand graduates. 

3. Quality assurance – AMC domains and procedures for assessing and accrediting prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) training accreditation authorities
Or skip to a section – download a specific section of the PDF
Document Part Description
Domains for assessing and accrediting prevocational training accreditation authorities (Section 2)

Details the domains the prevocational training accreditation authority must demonstrate and the attributes of each domain.

Procedures for assessing and accrediting prevocational training accreditation authorities (Section 3)

Outlines the procedures the AMC has adopted for assessment and accreditation of prevocational training accreditation authorities. Where possible these procedures are aligned with procedures for accreditation of medical schools and specialty colleges.

Resources to support implementation 

Guides to Prevocational Training in Australia

Forms and templates 

Preparation, implementation and timelines 

Video resources 

Other useful resources 

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