The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) have reached in-principle agreement on the establishment of a joint Recertification in Colonoscopy Conjoint Committee (RCCC) to assist clinicians in acquiring and retaining nationally recognised certification.
The RCCC will supersede the current GESA Colonoscopy Recertification Committee which has undertaken recertification since 2015.
The RCCC is an expert clinical advisory committee that oversees objective national and international evidence-based criteria for recertification. Expected to commence in early 2023, it will also provide equal representation of surgeons and physicians to ensure high standards in colonoscopy in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.
Mr Brian Kirkby FRACS, Chair of the RACS Surgical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Committee said: “The RCCC is a great example of surgeons and physicians coming together to ensure patients have access to quality colonoscopy services that are supported by robust standards.”
GESA President Professor Benedict Devereaux FRACP said the revised committee structure will ensure consistent colonoscopy standards for patients. “Rather than differentiating ourselves as physicians or surgeons, it’s essential we think of ourselves as “colonoscopists with a common goal of excellence in patient care.”
Approximately 1,000,000 colonoscopy procedures are performed each year in Australia, making access to safe and timely care an essential service for patients across the country.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC) launched the Colonoscopy Clinical Care standard which outlines recommendations for quality colonoscopy care in 2019 to support these services.
