Peer review groups
RANZCP Peer Review Groups (PRGs) are small, self-selected groups of peers who meet to review their work in a supportive setting.
Registered Peer Review Groups enjoy qualified privilege under Australian and New Zealand legislation.
Find a peer review group
Search for a Peer Review Group by state, mode, or area of practice in MyCPD (login required).
You may join more than one Peer Review Group.
Register a peer review group
Register a new Peer Review Group in MyCPD.
You will need to provide:
- group name
- area/s of practice
- purpose
- meeting time
- format
- coordinator location details
- group member details.
Learn how to create a Peer Review Group in MyCPD and how to invite members to your Peer Review Group.
Group size and composition
Peer Review Groups should have more than two members.
The majority of group members should be RANZCP Fellows and Affiliates.
Non-RANZCP members and non-psychiatrists can join if they work closely with psychiatrists or work in the same field. There should be a minimum of 3 RANZCP Fellows or Affiliates in each group.
Groups of fewer than three members
In exceptional circumstances, groups of two RANZCP members (peer dyads) can be registered with RANZCP approval.
Peer dyads must only be a short-term arrangement, for a maximum of 3 years. They must be open to new members.
Meeting frequency
Groups can decide how frequently and for how long they meet. The College recommends meeting frequently enough to provide a sense of group continuity. Most PRGs meet monthly, for at least an hour.
Group roles
Peer Review Group Coordinator
Every PRG must nominate a Group Coordinator. Group coordinators must be a RANZCP Fellow and they act as the main contact point between the PRG and the College.
Coordinators need to:
- maintain a record of member attendance in MyCPD
- update group details in MyCPD
- coordinate meetings.
Peer Review Group Record Keeper
Groups can choose to appoint a Record Keeper to maintain the attendance record in MyCPD.
Attendance records
Attendance must be recorded in MyCPD.
Only Peer Review Group Coordinators and Record Keepers can add attendance in MyCPD.
Members’ attendance is automatically recorded under Category 2.1 Formal Peer Review in the MyCPD activity log.
Group activities
PRGs are meant to be a supportive place for members to review work and get help with and share issues they may experience as practitioners.
Groups should set goals that are reviewed regularly.
PRG participants can develop their Professional Development Plans (Section 1, CPD) together at the start of the CPD year. The following resource has been developed to help members do this as a group:
Second opinions
Group discussions within a PRG should not be used as a formal second opinion. These should only be performed by an independent practitioner who conducts a personal assessment of the patient.
Confidentiality and managing group records
Patients should not be named in meetings, and any documents must be de-identified.
Records of decisions or discussions should be kept general and stored privately in the group’s folder in MyCPD. Documents should be destroyed when they are no longer required.
Conduct
PRG participants are expected to adhere to the RANZCP Code of Conduct and the RANZCP Code of Ethics. In case of any dispute within a group, CPD staff can be consulted for advice. If resolution cannot be reached at PRG and /or staff level, then the Committee for CPD can be engaged.
The College has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, bullying and harassment.
Downloads
- Peer Review Groups policy and procedure [PDF; 201KB]
- Peer review group registration guidelines [PDF; 200 KB]
- Professional Development Planning and CPD tool for Peer Review Groups [PDF; 665 KB]
- Attendance record [PDF; 127 KB] - Attendance must be recorded in MyCPD. This form is for your convenience.