In a speech on Monday, AHPRA CEO Justin Untersteiner addressed the medical community on the future reform directions for the medical regulator.
Newly appointed AHPRA CEO Justin Untersteiner addressed a meeting of more than 30 medical colleges and societies this week to discuss the future reform directions of the medical regulator.
Building off his last address, Mr Untersteiner said his past two months as CEO have been primarily about handover, listening to calls for reform and developing further strategy.
“I am reminded as I meet with many across the professions and the communities that we serve that we live in a time of dramatic change,” Mr Untersteiner said.
“Geopolitical challenges are accelerating a loss of trust in institutions – an issue that has been on the rise in recent times and certainly impacts AHPRA and other authorities.
“We are also seeing dramatic change in the Australian health system, in addition to the ongoing issue of supply and demand and questions around patient access and affordability.”
Technology was a major point of discussion.
Telehealth, for instance, was held out as an example where misuse has led to instances of harm such as inappropriate over-prescribing of medicinal cannabis.
Artificial intelligence as a part of healthcare was treated with similar sentiments.
“AI can produce efficiencies, access to information and automation of low-risk activities – all of which are good,” Mr Untersteiner stated.
“However, AI can also introduce risks, such as information bias, privacy risk and misleading and inappropriate health advice.
Related
“We have seen an explosion in the popularity of cosmetic procedures, and the challenges of regulating industries that blur the line between consumer demand and patient need.
“We should assume that healthcare models and service delivery will change, and that will shift how we regulate the professions in the future.”
AHPRA’s notification system has long been a subject of criticism for its limited feedback and poor user interactivity.
“We have started to trial some new ways of working in the Rapid Regulatory Response Unit – with a focus on prevention rather than response – but this needs to be expanded across all ways that we work and how we regulate,” Mr Untersteiner said.
“I would like AHPRA to be seen as a leader in harm prevention.
“I want the professions and the community to have confidence in the work we are doing to improve the system – for their benefit.
“We need a holistic review and major transformation of our notification system.
“That I have heard clearly over the past two months.”
Workforce shortages were also addressed, along with the current evidence alluding to a lack of sustainable delivery of healthcare.
Rural and regional areas, Mr Untersteiner said, have been particularly affected; the implementation of the Kruk Review recommendations is expected to help address these issues.
The Dawson review was also brought up as a resource for AHPRA to formulate future internal reforms for more efficient regulation.
“We are at an important moment in time for both the scheme and for Ahpra,” Mr Untersteiner said.
“The question isn’t whether Ahpra and the scheme should reform, the question is what does reform look like and when do we get there.
“Australia’s health system is one of the most respected in the world.
“It can only maintain that reputation through a robust regulatory system that ensures the public can have confidence in the care they receive.”
