The Australasian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG) is pleased to announce the launch of a newly adapted version of its Certificate in Clinical Governance, tailored specifically to address the unique healthcare needs of Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). This initiative, developed in collaboration with The Pacific Community (SPC), marks a significant step toward enhancing healthcare systems across the Pacific region.
The updated Certificate reflects the distinctive realities of life, health, and healthcare across PICTs, focusing on addressing critical regional challenges and supporting sustainable development goals. The programme has been designed to be culturally relevant, incorporating insights and examples that resonate with healthcare professionals working in the Pacific.
Empowering Healthcare Professionals in the Pacific
Through this partnership, AICG and SPC aim to empower healthcare professionals in clinical governance by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to build safer, more resilient healthcare systems. The adapted Certificate includes course materials and case studies tailored to the healthcare practices and culture within PICTs, such as governance frameworks, leadership, scope of practice and whistleblowing.
“Clinical governance fosters a holistic, patient-centred approach essential for addressing the unique health challenges faced by PICTs. The AICG is honoured to have worked in close partnership with the Pacific Community to contextualise our clinical governance courses to provide targeted educational value for participants,” says AICG Chief Executive Officer Beverley Sutton.
Tailored for Healthcare Realities
Incorporating regional insights, the Certificate ensures that participants gain practical skills and knowledge applicable to their unique healthcare environments. Focusing on patient safety, care quality, and global healthcare standards, this programme is designed to support the healthcare goals of PICTs while fostering the development of robust healthcare systems.
Dr Ana Akau’ola, Medical Superintendent for the Vaiola Hospital in Tonga and Chair for the 15th Pacific Directors of Clinical Services, says, "Clinical governance is critical for promoting excellence, safety, and accountability by prioritising patient-centred care, and we welcome this collaboration and partnership as it indicates that we are not only talking about sustainable solutions, but we are actioning it and creating opportunities for our healthcare professionals through professional development as such."
Looking to the Future
As the Pacific faces ongoing healthcare challenges, this collaboration between AICG and The Pacific Community is an essential step toward building a stronger, safer future for healthcare in the region. Professionals who complete the Certificate will be equipped to make meaningful contributions to their local healthcare systems while aligning with broader global standards.
Dr Berlin Kafoa, Director of the Public Health Division at SPC, said, "Accessing professional development in country is critical and even more so in the Pacific as we face challenges with retaining health staff who would usually leave their countries to pursue further studies so providing sustainable solutions such as a Pacific contextualised Course for health professionals addresses this issue. Collaboration in health is important, and we look forward to working with AICG".
For more information about the newly adapted Certificate in Clinical Governance or to enrol in the programme, visit aicg.edu.au or contact AICG at [email protected]
About AICG
The Australasian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG) is a division of Health Education Australia Limited (HEAL), a not-for-profit organisation that has been synonymous with quality health education for over 100 years.
The AICG was formed in direct response to an identified need for health and care professionals to strengthen their skills in clinical governance to reduce the occurrence of adverse events and is now recognised as the leading cross-sector, interprofessional clinical governance education provider across Australia and New Zealand.