> Resources and Publications > PHC RIS infonet > April 2007 > ACRRM/RDAA Symposium: planning for the future

The ACRRM/RDAA Symposium: planning for the future

The role of the expert group has long been acknowledged in research circles as a useful tool in the validation of data and generation of new knowledge. The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) have provided an opportunity for experts to meet and to contribute to future planning, through their Biennial Symposia. This year is no exception, with a meeting of government, the profession, rural organisations and the community in Albury in early March, to discuss the provision of Emergency Medicine services to rural Australia.

The information base at the Symposium consists of a number of papers on aspects of support, service provision and training in Emergency Medicine. Among others, Dr Peter Arvier spoke on Advanced Training in Emergency Medicine for rural doctors and Assoc Professor Bruce Chater outlined the national outcomes of the inclusion of Emergency Medicine in the Procedural Grants Program in terms of the uptake of training. Dr Ross Maxwell developed a framework for the sustainability of services and Dr Ruth Stewart exemplified the means by which rural communities are well served in emergency situations by skilled procedural doctors. The significant body of research developed by Dr Jo Wainer enabled discussion of a gender based approach to Emergency Medicine.

The afternoon sessions provided the opportunity for delegates to debate issues and develop solutions in a wide variety of areas including the provision of advice on further initiatives for Government, setting standards, mental health emergency care, community models and retrieval systems. The outcome, in line with previous Symposia on Procedural Medicine and Maternity Services, has been a strategic and solutions based report that feeds into the advocacy roles of ACRRM, RDAA and the National Rural Health Alliance. The ACRRM/RDAA Symposia have inspired some major funding initiatives in Australia in the past five years and it is hoped that the outcomes of this event will be equally influential.

For further information contact:
Anna Nichols, Manager, Research, Evaluation & Quality Assurance and Pre-Vocational General Practice Placements Program
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
E: a.nichols@acrrm.org.au
Web: www.acrrm.org.au