GPs gain new CPD module via MedicalDirector Clinical platform

Telstra Health has launched its first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity for general practitioners (GPs) through the MedicalDirector Clinical software platform, following approval from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

The new CPD module is focused on helping GPs manage patients with type 2 diabetes and coexisting conditions. It enables GPs to earn 11 of the 50 annual CPD hours required, supporting ongoing clinical education requirements.

Recent figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlight the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Australia, with nearly 1.2 million people—one in every 20 Australians—living with the condition and 125 new cases diagnosed each day.

The CPD activity is designed to integrate directly into GPs' daily workflow, aiming to minimise administrative workload and streamline the process of earning professional development hours. This integration covers Measuring Outcomes and Educational Activities components of CPD, with the intention of reducing the burden of compliance while supporting clinical care.

GPs using MedicalDirector Clinical receive prompts during patient consultations when eligible patients are identified, with information and actions linked to the CPD topic. The platform also features a practice management dashboard, enabling practitioners to identify candidates for review, recall, or follow-up consultations, and to track patient care patterns, all contributing to their CPD hours.

The system supports accessible learning by allowing GPs to participate in relevant on-demand webinars within their clinical software. All hours are automatically tracked, with comprehensive reporting and reflection forms generated at the completion of the activity. Telstra Health submits CPD hours directly to the RACGP to update GP records in the 'myCPD home' account.

Dr Janice Tan, Clinical Director at Telstra Health, commented on the challenges that came with the new CPD framework for GPs and the role of integrated electronic health records in overcoming these barriers. "In the first year of the new CPD requirements, there have been adoption challenges amongst GPs. As a provider of EHR software, Telstra Health is uniquely positioned to assist GPs with meeting their CPD requirements. With the new tools available in MedicalDirector, we have made it easier for GPs to earn hours while maintaining the regulatory integrity of their CPD-hour collection. Its integration into daily patient care makes it convenient and effective," said Dr Tan.

The Australian Medical Association has reported that GPs spend an average of 9 hours per week on non-clinical tasks. The new CPD activity aims to reduce the administrative impact, turning routine practice into learning opportunities that count towards mandated professional development.

Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, noted the potential benefits of the activity in advancing the standards of continuing professional education for GPs. He said, "The launch of this CPD activity is a positive step forward. The Royal Australian College of GPs is committed to the best possible continuing professional development for our members so that they can continuously improve their skills and knowledge base. With Telstra Health's activity, GPs across Australia can receive helpful prompts highlighting CPD learning opportunities. This approach helps GPs focus on doing what they do best – providing the highest possible standard of patient care to people in communities nation-wide."

GPs wishing to participate in this first CPD module must register by 31 May 2025. The process is integrated into their routine use of MedicalDirector Clinical, with clinical messages, dashboard analytics, webinar access, and automatic CPD reporting forming part of the workflow.