RACGP Reminder: Health of the Nation Survey and Key Practice Updates
23 May 2026
The survey will remain open until 3 May at 11.59 pm (AEST). It takes around 15 minutes to complete and is anonymous. The results are used to produce the annual Health of the Nation report, which helps guide RACGP advocacy and influences government policy and funding decisions aimed at strengthening general practice.
This week’s update also includes several other key items for general practitioners.
An upcoming Online Supervision Symposium will be held over a 24-hour period from 12–13 May, organised by General Practice Supervision Australia (GPSA). The program includes short education sessions for GP supervisors, registrars, educators, and trainees, with presenters from Australia and overseas sharing insights on medical education and supervision.
The update also highlights important guidance on Mental Health Treatment Plans. GPs are reminded that referrals to psychologists must include the number of approved sessions, as omitting this can lead to delays in patient care and added administrative work. Patients may access up to 10 individual and 10 group Medicare-rebated sessions per year, with unused sessions able to carry over. Plans can be reviewed and updated over time.
Travel health guidance also includes a warning about Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place from 24–30 May.
Although there is no vaccine for MERS, travellers are advised to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. GPs are encouraged to remain alert for symptoms in returned travellers, as MERS is a notifiable disease in Australia.
Several professional development opportunities are also listed, including dermatology workshops in Queensland focused on dermoscopy and dermatological surgery, offering practical training for general practitioners. A webinar on chronic low back pain is also scheduled, exploring new approaches to pain management based on recent research.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is also seeking input from health professionals as it develops a new five-year research strategy, alongside a webinar introducing its new research and evaluation framework for veterans and families.
The update brings together policy reminders, clinical guidance, and education opportunities for GPs across Australia.
RACGP Reminder: Health of the Nation Survey and Key Practice Updates
Source: (RACGP)