AMA and Drs4Drs attend Ahpra symposium

AMA President Professor Steve Robson and Drs4Drs Chair Dr Iain Dunlop attended a symposium on minimising practitioner distress hosted by Ahpra on Monday. The symposium was in response to a report released last year on practitioner distress during the notification process which identified 16 health practitioners who had committed suicide whilst under a notification.

Ahpra outlined many of the reforms and improvements to the notification process that they have implemented in response to the findings of the report and the recommendations of the expert advisory committee.

The AMA has welcomed the improvements to the notification process in response to the report and AMA advocacy. All notifications are now reviewed by a panel including a medical adviser which has led to an increase in cases not accepted as notifications from 4 per cent to 11 per cent. Health impairment cases have been prioritised with 57 per cent now closed within 3 months compared to 6.5 per cent previously.

While the improvements are positive, Professor Robson ensured Ahpra understood there are still improvements to be made to the notification process. The AMA will continue to advocate to the health ministers meeting in an effort to reform the National Law so that Ahpra has a mandated duty of care to registrants and in particular a duty to minimise the mental health impacts and financial effects on the health practitioner who may be subject to a notification.

The symposium also featured significant discussion about practitioner wellbeing and the importance of seeking help when you need it. The key message from the Medical Board was that seeking help for mental health will only result in a mandatory notification when there is a substantial risk of harm to the public or in cases of sexual misconduct.

Drs4Drs provides confidential mental health support services for doctors through referral services. It was specifically developed by the medical profession, for the medical profession. Drs4Drs Chair Dr Iain Dunlop provided these reflections on the symposium:

“In our profession, recognising the value in seeking help is crucial. The notification process presents unique challenges, both personally and professionally, and understanding these is vital. The reasons for receiving a notification vary widely, underscoring the need for clear communication about the process, possible outcomes, and the support available.

The symposium shed light on the significance of comprehending the experiences of practitioners undergoing the notification process. It also facilitated the identification of strategies to provide better support. We are enthusiastic about continuing our efforts to collaborate and communicate to see these strategies implemented effectively." Dr Iain Dunlop, Chair Drs4Drs.

A key message from the symposium was that while receiving a notification can be distressing, the most likely outcome is that no further action will be taken and there is support available. Only 0.7 per cent of notifications result in a medical practitioner having their registration suspended or cancelled or being disqualified from applying.

If you're a doctor or medical student who has received a notification, it's natural to feel worried and anxious. Please know that these feelings are normal, and that support is available. Dedicated services are ready to assist you in navigating the process and answering your questions. We encourage you to visit drs4drs.com.au to find the resources and support you need during this time.