ABSTRACT
Background: Medical professionals have been using social media apps increasingly as communication tools. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors created WhatsApp/Telegram groups in NSW and Victoria in March 2020 for information sharing, which had rapid take-up and other subgroups sprang up. Objectives: To describe the use of social media apps by psychiatrists for communication and to explore their future for peer communication. Methods: A brief literature review on the use of social media apps. A review of the existing chats identified some major themes including logistics of remote private practice, personal protective equipment use and availability, professional isolation, telehealth issues and rapid advocacy. Fluctuation in membership numbers, variation in use depending on jurisdictions and lockdown characteristics, and the role of moderators will be discussed. A survey (in train) of the major groups will explore themes including use for member engagement, effectiveness, what works, what doesn't, why people leave and what people want. Findings: To our knowledge, this may be the first time such survey data have been collected and reported on. Survey findings will be presented, with discussion of the use of apps alongside traditional channels of communications and to identify future trends. Conclusion: The role and place of WhatsApp and similar platforms for professional communication is here to stay and likely to expand. The survey findings will influence further development of apps, the most appropriate and effective platforms, and may guide the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists to review their own website, social media policies and member engagement.
ABSTRACT
Background: During 2020, continuing professional development (CPD) was not mandatory for doctors in Australia and New Zealand. However, a substantial number of psychiatrists continued to participate in CPD activities, particularly their peer review groups (PRGs). PRGs have been a cornerstone of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) CPD programme since the 1980s. Objectives: To illustrate how psychiatrists participated in CPD when completion was not compulsory, and how PRGs adapted to the COVID-19 environment during 2020. Methods: The annual survey of PRGs, conducted to meet the reporting requirements for qualified privilege, was adjusted to include questions relating to the conduct of PRGs during 2020. Qualitative and quantitative questions were included, and the results analysed. The activity data from My CPD were analysed to determine the proportion of members who participated in CPD activities during 2020, including the proportion of members meeting the usual minimum requirement of 10°hours per year of formal peer review. Findings: More than 70% of all participants enrolled in the CPD programme registered participation in the Formal Peer Review section of their CPD records. The hours recorded ranged from 1 hour to 20.25°hours. Qualitative analysis revealed that the importance of the PRG during COVID-19 was enhanced for members. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of PRGs to psychiatrists, and the flexibility demonstrated to continue with this activity during the restrictions of 2020.
ABSTRACT
Background: Regular practice review - commonly practice visits - is encouraged as a continuing professional development (CPD) activity by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA). Traditional practice visits are better suited to interventional medical practitioners rather than psychiatrists and have presented significant logistical challenges to implement in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) programme. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to redesign regular practice review by psychiatrists for psychiatrists, resulting in a pilot of a programme known as Practice Peer Review (PPR). Objectives: To explore a novel approach to regular practice review for psychiatrists. Methods: Psychiatrists were invited to participate in a pilot of the PPR. Following an application process, psychiatrists were matched using two methods: (1) self-pairing and (2) pairing by RANZCP staff using criteria including career stage, area of practice and individual's preferences. Each pair was assigned a facilitator, a Fellow with training in the principles of coaching. Pairs undertook a series of structured discussions, with the facilitator assisting the pair in the final session to reflect on the activity and applications to their practice. Data collected included quantitative measures (e.g. the period over which the meetings occurred) and qualitative measures (e.g. satisfaction with the matching process and learning outcomes). Findings: Evaluation is underway and will be concluded by the end of March 2022. Initial analysis indicates that the activity has been considered valuable by participants, but there have been some challenges particularly with scheduling. Conclusion: PPR shows promise as an alternative to the 'traditional' practice visit.
ABSTRACT
Background: Demand for specialist mental health services for children and adolescents has increased disproportionately to other age groups over the last decade. Challenges including drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19 have further increased numbers of children and adolescents presenting with high levels of acuity and complexity. In 2021, the NSW Government committed to funding 25 new mental health response teams, to be rolled out over 4 years. Objectives: To describe the collaborative model used to develop the service principles, model of care and supporting processes for the new teams. Methods: Service Guiding Principles were developed following broad consultation with key stakeholders by the NSW Branch Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, RANZCP and NSW Health, and a literature review. Programme development benefitted from extensive stakeholder engagement including consumers/ carers, and four working groups developed strategies for evaluation, workforce development, rural-specific approaches, and the model of care. Essential elements of the programme include comprehensive multidisciplinary team assessment and management with bio-psychosocio- cultural formulation, with activities including Crisis intervention (responding to child/young person/family needs;safety planning), Comprehensive care planning (inter- and intra-agency integration, collaborative discharge planning) and Care co-ordination (support system navigation, warm hand over). Findings: Collaboration and incorporating the voices of people with lived experience are essential in developing an integrated and evidence based state-wide service model that is acceptable to staff and consumers. Conclusion: Successful roll out is expected with strong evaluation informing flexible approaches to respond to unforeseen circumstances. Unity of purpose leads to better, safer care for vulnerable children and adolescents.