ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine
A key way we're helping to provide perioperative care to patients in Australia and New Zealand is by creating a new ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine leading to the qualification: Graduate of the Chapter of Perioperative Medicine.
This enables specialist doctors, such as anaesthetists, surgeons, physicians, intensivists, and general practitioners to enhance their skills and knowledge in perioperative medicine.
All over the world, doctors from many specialities are starting to identify as "perioperative physicians" and anaesthetists are considered to be best placed practitioners to lead the development of this exciting new clinical field due to their "ideal combination of training, skills, and experience" (Grocott, M.P.W. and Pearse, R.M. (2012) BJA, 108 (5), pp.723–726).
As one of the largest specialist medical colleges in Australia and New Zealand, and the foremost authority on anaesthesia and pain medicine in each country, ANZCA is established as a compelling leader of perioperative medicine. In 2018 a Perioperative Medicine Steering Committee (POM SC) was established comprising representatives from ANZCA, FPM, and other specialist medical colleges to reflect the diverse nature of the perioperative space.
ANZCA Council approved a vision for the perioperative medicine course in 2018 that together, with our strategic plan, guides and informs our approach.
Structure of the course
We have developed a flexible and competency-based course delivered in a hybrid model of online learning, workshops and clinical experience. The course can be completed in 12 months (FTE), with a maximum timeframe of three years.
The ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine curriculum and learning resources are based on a graduate outcome statement, our perioperative medicine literature review, and the Perioperative Care Framework.
Our course is composed of six units of study:
- Preoperative assessment.
- Preoperative planning.
- Optimisation.
- Intraoperative impacts on patient outcomes.
- Postoperative assessment and management.
- Discharge planning and rehabilitation.
The course structure is also aligned with the ANZCA roles of practice - medical expert, communicator, collaborator, leader and manager, health advocate, scholar and professional. And, additionally, incorporates three value themes:
- Cultural safety, diversity and inclusion in healthcare
- Patient, carer and practitioner wellbeing
- Communication in healthcare
If taken over 12 FTE months, the course comprises of three trimesters of ten weeks each, with a maximum of two units of study undertaken in each trimester. Each unit of study includes online learning, a one-day in-person workshop and a clinical immersion component.
Mode of delivery
Each unit of study consists of:
- 40 hours of online learning
- 40 hours of clinical immersion
- A one-day weekend workshop
Online learning
Online learning for each unit of study is delivered in a series of modules via the learning management system (LMS). Each module is comprised of specific content, required and recommended reading, case scenario activities, reflections and knowledge checks.
Participants will be able to see their progress through the unit of study and completion of clinical based assessments. Although the learning modules are listed in sequence, the LMS enables the participant to work flexibility at their own pace to complete the modules in any order within the 10-week duration of the unit of study.
Clinical Immersion
Clinical immersion aims to provide the participant with the opportunity to explore the perioperative care principles described in the ANZCA Perioperative Care Framework.
Supervised by perioperative practitioners, participants will experience multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary team collaboration and gain insight into the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to deliver effective perioperative medicine services.
To support participants’ learning experience, the cross-specialty nature of the course requires our supervisor cohort to be representative of the various craft groups in the perioperative clinical setting.
Workshop
Participants will attend a one-day workshop, designed to complement the online and clinical immersion components, typically delivered on the weekend between week seven and week eight of the unit of study. Face-to-face attendance is required for units of study 1, 2, 5 and 6; units 3 and 4 will be webinar-based workshops.
The program for each workshop intentionally focuses on case-based scenarios and reflects the unit of study content. In addition, the programs for units of study 1 and 2 have a communication emphasis. There are no assessments during the workshops.
Assessment requirement
Full details of the assessments can be found in the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine handbook.
Course enrolment process, dates and fees
We encourage all interested applicants to view the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine participant toolkit for enrolment related information. An enrolment period occurs prior to commencement of each trimester, and ANZCA will consider applications at this time.
Evaluation
We encourage all interested applicants to view the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine participant toolkit for enrolment related information. An enrolment period occurs prior to commencement of each trimester, and ANZCA will consider applications at this time.
Course pilot
As part of our quality assurance process, we have piloted unit of study one from 4 September to 17 November 2023. The pilot will provide us with the opportunity to fine-tune our processes and delivery methods in readiness for the full diploma roll out in February 2024.
Please note that the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine is a vocational program for graduate medical practitioners and is not a higher education award in accordance with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Perioperative Medicine Training Resources Guide
ANZCA Library resources are available to the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine participants and supervisors for the duration of the course. A specific library guide, Perioperative medicine training has been developed to provide access to information focused on perioperative medicine.
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Clinical immersion sites
An engaging clinical experience is essential in shaping competent perioperative medicine practitioners. The clinical immersion sites have been selected for their dedication to perioperative medicine excellence, patient care, and advanced medical techniques. These hospitals serve as the clinical...
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Recognition pathways
There is a recognition pathway open to eligible practitioners across various specialties to apply for legacy transition to be a graduate of the Chapter of Perioperative Medicine - GChPOM
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Chapter of Perioperative Medicine FAQs
Everything you need to know about the ANZCA Course in Perioperative Medicine leading to a graduate of the Chapter of Perioperative Medicine, including the reasons for its development; the likely course structure, duration, and eligibility requirements; and the timeframes.
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