ANZCA Patient Experience Survey – 2024 Complete Guide

This page is our complete and current guide to ANZCA CPD Patient Experience Surveys.

The ANZCA CPD program was updated and in 2024 it no longer uses points – it operates on an annual cycle, with minimum hourly and activity requirements. Although there are links to other pages below, this is the main page and contains all the current (2024) information.

A very popular feature of our service is the ability to receive Patient Experience Surveys (PES) and a Summary report for ANZCA’s CPD mandatory Practice Evaluation (reviewing performance) activity. Anaesthetic Group acts as your ANZCA Patient Experience Survey “administrator”.

We specialise in online medical forms. While our Preoperative Assessment forms (demo here) are what we are known for, we recognise our members have CPD needs. That’s why we have been assisting Anaesthetists with Patient Experience Surveys since 2014.

Patient Experience Surveys are included with all paid monthly plans, at no extra charge. We also offer a PES-only package. Pricing and a link to signup can be found here. Our Patient Experience Surveys (adult and paediatric) are based on questions recommended by ANZCA, and you will receive a unique link and page. We host the forms, collect the surveys, collate your results, and send you the documents you need to submit your CPD activity to ANZCA. Below is a summary of the process, some of the questions we are often asked, and some helpful links.

This article has been rewritten to reflect the guidelines for 2024. In 2023 the Medical Board of Australia and ANZCA altered their CPD program and registration standards. The CPD program now operates on an annual cycle, with minimum hourly and activity requirements. If you have questions or would like additional information about our platform, please feel free to contact us here.

Anaesthetic Group offers the following surveys:

– ANZCA CPD Patient Experience Surveys – Adult Anaesthesia
– ANZCA CPD Patient Experience Surveys – Paediatric Anaesthesia
Please contact us here if you are interested Patient Experience Surveys for diving hyperbaric medicine or pain medicine.

How does it work? (short summary)

  1. You choose a monthly plan (or PES-only package) and sign up here
  2. We create an online profile page for you with a link to both your Paediatric and Adult Patient Experience Surveys (PES)
  3. Patients visit your page and complete your Patient Experience Survey
  4. We create your Patient Experience Survey Summary Report after 15 patient surveys have been completed (we act as your administrator, ANZCA require a minimum of 15 surveys)
  5. We send your Patient Experience Survey Summary Report (in PDF), signed ANZCA verification form and copy of the survey to you and your Feedback Provider (optional)
  6. You discuss your results and record the activity on the ANZCA CPD portfolio system

Please note: This page is our interpretation of the rules regarding ANZCA CPD in 2024, so we have tried to link / reference as much information as we can below*. For formal advice, we highly recommend that you consult the ANZCA website (https://www.anzca.edu.au/) or contact their CPD team directly. All of our text and articles are intended for general information only.
* Text displayed like this is directly from ANZCA.

What other ways can Anaesthetic Group help me improve patient care?

As much as you can gain from your own Patient Experience Survey report, we believe you can also gain from learning from what others receive. That’s why we felt it was important and helpful to our members to analyse over 5 years and over 4,634 lines of Patient Experience Survey responses to compile some of the most insightful (both positive and negative) comments patients have made in surveys. All data has been completely de-identified. Check out the full article at https://anaestheticgroup.com.au/anaesthesia-patient-experience-survey-results/ and here is a patient quote which summarises it pretty well:

"Dr X was outstanding. I felt very confident and safe in his care. From pre-op to post-op, Dr X was patient, clear, thorough, comprehensive and clearly managed my expectations. His expertise during the procedure was exceptional. I am grateful to have had him."

Signing Up

How much does it cost?

Adult and Paediatric Patient Experience Surveys are both included in all paid monthly plans (pricing here). For non-members, we offer a PES-only package for $199 (renewal $99). We accept MasterCard, Visa and Amex.
Hot Tip: Joining the PES package costs the same as 3+ months on the Standard plan, so it makes sense to sign up to the Standard plan if you are completing your PES within 3 months! (All plans are month-to-month and can be cancelled at any time)

Are there any discounts?

Yes. When you renew your PES-only package, there is a 50% discount so it is only $99 (to renew please contact us or click on the link we emailed you). Alternatively Patient Experience Surveys are included at no extra cost in all Standard and Premium monthly plans.

How long does setup take?

Your profile and forms are live within 1 business day.

What is included?

  • Profile page and unique link, default text and QR Code
  • Adult Patient Experience Surveys online form
  • Paediatric Patient Experience Surveys online form
  • Patient Experience Surveys summary report (PDF)
  • Signed ANZCA confidentiality and CPD verification form
  • We also send you a copy of the details and documents needed to lodge the PES activity in ANZCA’s CPD platform

How many Surveys or Reports are included?

Members of our monthly plans receive unlimited surveys and unlimited reports.
PES-only members receive one PES report per package payment (unlimited surveys until the report).

Where is Anaesthetic Group based?

Anaesthetic Group is 100% Australian made, managed and owned. Our office is in Sydney Australia. Only our staff (in Sydney Australia) have access to the backend of the site. Our hosting server is also located in Australia.

Who can sign up?

To be eligible to join Anaesthetic Group you must be an Anaesthetist.
Local and International Anaesthetists, including ANZCA provisional fellows are welcome to join. We can also provide Patient Experience Surveys for diving hyperbaric medicine, pain medicine or other specialities – please contact us.

Do I have to sign a long term contract?

No. Anaesthetic Group is a pay-as-you-go service.
There are no long term contracts or commitments. You pay month-to-month on a plan (pricing here) or you can buy just the PES-only package (buy here).

Can I choose details like my Feedback Provider later?

Yes.
All we require on sign up is your name, post nominals, region and email address. Everything else can be provided later. (A Feedback Provider is recommended, but not mandated – read here).

How do I get started after sign up?

When your profile and forms are ready we will email you Setup & FAQ information with everything you need to do to get started quickly and efficiently. For security reasons we will also send you several test emails you will need to confirm.

I run a group – can you help?

Yes! As every group is different and has its own specific needs, please get in touch for a personalised quote here.

I have more pre-sales questions

If you are new to Anaesthetic Group and considering our service, our Anaesthetist FAQ page should help you learn more about our platform and features. We also have a Help Centre here, or please contact us if you have any questions. Please click here for pricing of our plans, or try our popular Preoperative Assessment demo form here.

Getting Started

What happens after I sign up?

We will create your profile and forms (within 1 business day). We then will email you Setup & FAQ information with everything you need to do to get started quickly and efficiently. Additionally, we can supply you with a QR Code. For security reasons we will also send you several test emails you will need to confirm.

What should I write on my profile page?

You may choose to use our default text when you sign up, or you can let us know what you would like to write.
We recommend introducing yourself and asking patients to complete your Patient Experience Survey after their procedure. We have a demo of a PES-only package member here, and a Premium Plan member demo here. As part of our service, we offer free updates to your profile at any time. 

Can Anaesthetic Group be the third party? 

Yes. Anaesthetic Group is the third party / your administrator.  We prepare your summary report and sign your CPD form.

Do I need to nominate someone / a Feedback Provider?

No.
It is not necessary to nominate your Feedback Provider when you join, or at all. A Feedback Provider is the person you can talk to about your results. Although almost all members choose a Feedback Provider, they are optional. ANZCA mention here "It is recommended, but not mandated, that a feedback provider is selected to discuss the results with the anaesthetist"

Can I upgrade from the PES-only package?

Yes, you can upgrade from the PES package to the Standard or Premium plan at any time. If you choose to upgrade within 2 months, your PES payment can be credited to the monthly fee(s) of your plan.

Patient Experience Surveys (PES)

Which survey will I receive?

You receive both the Adult and Paediatric Patient Experience Surveys.
Both are included in your monthly plan or PES-only package, as we understand many Anaesthetists provide care for both adults and children. Please contact us here if you are interested Patient Experience Surveys for diving hyperbaric medicine or pain medicine.

How do you distribute surveys?

The survey is a secure online form.
Patients can access your survey from any web browser or device, at any time via a link from your profile page (or a direct shortlink we can provide you).

How can I encourage patients to fill out my survey?

We place a link to your survey on your profile page. Patients can be notified of your profile page through a note on your invoice, a QR code, a text message, and/or an email. When meeting patients before their operation, we recommend that you mention they will receive a link later to complete your survey. An example message is “I hope you had a positive experience with your recent surgery and are recovering well. I’d appreciate it if you could please complete my Patient Experience Survey at anaestheticgroup.com.au/yourshortlink when you have a moment.

We will email you Setup & FAQ information with everything you need to get started quickly and efficiently. If you would like help, please contact us or visit our “Tips on encouraging feedback” page. We can also contact your patients on your behalf via SMS and/or email (for a quote, please contact us with your needs)

How long does it take patients to complete the survey?

Usually less than five minutes.

Is there a limit to the number of surveys I can receive?

No. We offer unlimited patient experience surveys to all paid members.

When should I ask patients to complete my survey?

Within two weeks of surgery.
ANZCA recommend hereTo obtain the most meaningful result, the survey should be administered within two weeks of surgery. This prevents recall bias and satisfaction scores being correlated with the outcome of the procedure.
Since most anaesthetic invoices / bills are usually sent shortly after the procedure, adding a note to your bill will serve as an easy and automated way to remind patients to complete your survey.

Are there any time limits?

No – We do not apply a time limit or expiry on your surveys or PES package.
However ANZCA mention here "specialists can choose to complete the patient experience surveys as a group over a two to six week period (depending on case load)." ANZCA have also advised us in writing "There is no real time frame in place with the Patient Experience Survey, and in reality it could take some time to collect the surveys back, so 25 surveys over a 6 month period would be fine with this activity."

Can I see a copy of each patient survey?

No. You are only allowed to see the PES Summary. ANZCA have advised in their handbook here and confirmed in writing to us "the anaesthetists are not allowed to see a copy of each Patient experience surveys submitted."

Can I be notified of each patient survey received?

Yes. Whilst you can’t see the actual PES, we can notify you every time a PES is submitted for you.

Can my feedback provider get a copy of each survey?

Yes, but only after the report has been created. ANZCA requires us to sign that as an administrator, we will “After collating the results and completing the survey summary form, I will provide the original patient/parent survey forms and the only copy of the summary form to the feedback provider.

What does the survey look like?

Can I try a demo of the survey?

We have a demo available for you to try, please click here.

PES Summary Report

How many Patient Experience Surveys do I need for a report?

15.
In order to meet ANZCA requirements, you will need a minimum of 15 Patient Experience Surveys for a report. There is no maximum though – many Anaesthetists go over and above this to gain a better understanding of how they can provide better care.

When will I receive my report?

We check the number of Patient Experience Surveys usually the first week of each month. When we see you are over the minimum 15, we will contact you to see whether you are ready for the report. If your report is urgent, please let us know and we’ll check more often.

How long does it take to get my report?

You should receive your report within one week, along with all the necessary information and documents.

There’s only a few weeks left to the year – Can you help?

Yes 🙂 If you have left your ANZCA CPD activities a bit late, we can still help. Please let us know by the 5th December if you need your report for this year and we will check your Patient Experience Survey numbers more regularly and if necessary set aside time between Christmas and New Years Eve to complete it.

Can I choose when I get my report?

Yes. We will contact you when we see you are over the minimum 15, to see if you are ready for the report. You can let us know if you want to wait for more entries or if you want to delay it.

Can I mix my report?

According to our advice, yes.
In 2018, when ANZCA released its separate Paediatric survey and report and we added it to our website, we asked if our Anaesthetists could mix their reports. ANZCA advised us in an email “In regards to the 15 surveys that are required to be collected to meet requirement for the Patient Experience survey activity of the ANZCA and FPM CPD program, each response is valid in itself and if it is a sample of real-time mixed practice that it is fine to use both the Patient Experience survey (Appendix 1A) and the Paediatric/patient satisfaction survey (Appendix 1AP).

Is there a limit to the number of reports I can receive?

Members of our monthly plans receive unlimited PES reports.
PES-only members receive only one PES report per package payment.
ANZCA have also advised us in writing "No there is no limit on the amount of patient experience surveys you complete, there is also no limit on the amount of times you complete any of the other 3 mandatory practice activities either." and "we would just ask that you try to space them out a bit if possible."

What does the report look like?

We create your Summary Report as a PDF in a clear and easy-to-read format:

Customisation

Can I update or change my details or profile page?

Yes, at any time. We are a full-service platform, meaning we handle all amendments for you. Regardless of your plan or package, these changes are included free of charge, as part of our service. Simply reply to one of our emails and we will confirm once the update is made (usually within a few business hours).

Yes. You will receive a link to your profile page when you sign up, however, if you would like a link directly to your survey, we can provide that too.
Members of our Premium receive a custom domain name, eg. dryourname.com.au In addition, you will also receive a direct link to your survey eg. dryourname.com.au/postop

Can I have a QR Code?

Yes. There are three options as below – Image only, Image + Simple text, Image + Extra text. Please reply to one of our emails or request it here and let us know which QR Code you would like..

Patient Experience Survey QR Code

Can I have a simple feedback form instead?

Yes. We have a simple feedback form available to all plan members. The form allows anonymous or patient-identified feedback to be provided, and each response can be emailed to you. The feedback form does not comply with ANZCA’s CPD requirements.
Some members use the Patient Experience Surveys for the first patients to fulfil ANZCA CPD requirements, then switch to the feedback form so they can read replies instantly and follow up with patients directly.

Can I change / customise the Survey?

Yes, on the Premium Plan. Standard Plan and PES-only package members can’t as they access the same survey. However Premium Plan members can completely customise their Patient Experience Survey, pre op questionnaires, forms, confirmation messages and even notification emails as they are unique to them. We have unlimited levels of depth to questions available. The options are endless – see examples of Premium Plan members customisations here.
Standard Plan members are able to switch to the simple feedback form.

Patient Experience Survey vs. Feedback Form

Lodging with ANZCA

Can you help ANZCA provisional fellows?

Yes – please see the ANZCA guidelines for your requirements. ANZCA’s website states "All the CPD hours you complete during your time as a provisional fellow will go towards your first CPD year as a FANZCA". We suggest the PES-only package here.

How do I access the CPD portfolio system?

The link is https://cpd.anzca.edu.au/Account/LogOn please contact ANZCA for your login details.

What do I need to lodge this CPD activity with ANZCA?

Following ANZCA’s guidelines here, we provide the following information to help make this activity as straightforward as possible for you:
Completion of this activity can be recorded on the CPD portfolio system. Participants will be asked to provide the following information:
• Number of forms collected.
– we provide this
• Start and end date
– we provide this
• Total hours
you calculate this
• A blank copy of the survey used.
– we provide this
• A completed patient experience survey confidentiality and CPD verification form.
– we provide this
If a participant is selected to be involved in the random audit of CPD activities, the participant must provide evidence of the review. A copy of the survey used and the survey confidentiality and CPD verification form is acceptable.
This form can then be uploaded to the CPD portfolio system.
The feedback provider may be contacted by the college to verify the activity took place.

Do I need to upload evidence of my CPD activities?

It is optional, but recommended.
In accordance with ANZCA’s guidelines here, “If a participant is selected to be involved in the random audit of CPD activities, the participant must provide evidence of the review. A copy of the survey used and the survey confidentiality and CPD verification form is acceptable.” and “The feedback provider may be contacted by the college to verify the activity took place.
On their FAQ page, they also mention “Uploading evidence to your CPD activities is optional, however, we do recommend uploading evidence as you enter each activity as it may save you time in the long run should you be selected as part of our annual verification of CPD activities, or as part of an external audit process.
In addition, they mention that “From 1 January 2023, the online CPD portfolio will reflect the updated requirements for the 2020-2022 triennium with the dashboard showing annual, hours-based requirements. The 2021-2023 and 2022-2024 cohorts will transition to the annual program at the start of 2024. If you're in the 2022-2024 triennium, you'll have reduced triennial requirements given the updated submission date.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Yes, there are minimum hours and mandatory activities. Patient Experience Surveys are highlighted as one of four possible mandatory practice evaluation activities.
According to ANZCA here, “The annual progress bar will update as you progress in meeting your minimum annual 50 hours requirement, including: At least 25 hours of practice evaluation (with a minimum of five hours of reviewing performance and five hours of measuring outcomes). At least 12.5 hours of knowledge and skills. A further 12.5 hours which can be claimed across the CPD program.
Additionally, they state on page 25 of their handbook here that “MBA and MCNZ requirements (minimum five hours reviewing performance per year).“..”CPD activities are measured in hours. There are no limits on the time which can be recorded for each activity – you should record the time an activity takes, including preparatory time if relevant.

Can you help with Multi-source feedback too?

We don’t currently offer this, but if there is enough interest, we may add it. Please contact us if you are interested.

ANZCA Guidelines – Step by Step

Here are our interpretations of the key ANZCA Guidelines. For formal advice, we highly recommend that you consult the ANZCA guidelines directly (links below) or contact their CPD team directly. All of our text and articles are intended for general information only.

Prior to conducting the survey
1. A co-worker or assistant is invited to be the administrator of the survey. For example, this could be an administrative staff member or nurse. < Anaesthetic Group acts as your administrator
2. It is recommended, but not mandated, that a feedback provider be used. It is expected the feedback provider will be a trusted colleague, who ideally has some experience in providing feedback.
3. The administrator and feedback provider (if applicable) sign the confidentiality section of the Patient experience survey confidentiality and CPD verification form. < We sign your form and provide it to you with your completed Summary report

Conducting the survey
4. Determine method of administration. To obtain the most meaningful result, the survey should be administered within two weeks of surgery.
< Your form is available to all patients on our website linked from your profile page.
Please note: response rates differ depending on timing and method of administration. It is recommended that the same timing and method be used for each patient experience survey activity.< Since most anaesthetic invoices / bills are usually sent shortly after the procedure, adding a note to your bill will serve as an easy and automated way to remind patients to complete your survey.
5. The administrator should pre-determine a system to select patients to minimise bias. As a whole, the patient group used for the survey should reflect the general practice of the anaesthetist(s) who is/are the subject of the survey.< Every patient which visits your profile page sees the prompt to complete your survey minimising bias
6. It is suggested that administrators distribute approximately 20-30 surveys per specialist. Responses from a minimum of 15 surveys per specialist must be included on the survey summary form.< We keep track of responses received. Patients can also be contacted on your behalf with permission.
7. The administrator should provide the following information to patients.< Reflected on the Patient Experience Survey page patients visit
Patients undergoing elective surgery should be informed in advance that they might be asked to complete a patient experience survey regarding the care provided by the anaesthetist and anaesthetic team. Patients could be notified in pre-admission packs or when they arrive at the hospital, prior to the first consultation with the anaesthetist... < Patients are advised on your profile page where they see the link to your pre-admission health questionnaire
8. Collecting surveys administered in hard copy < Not applicable to online forms

Results and feedback
9. The administrator collates the results on the Patient experience survey summary form.
< We do this. We collate your results and create your Summary form
10. After a minimum of 15 surveys has been entered on the survey summary form, the administrator sends the completed summary to the participant and the feedback provider (if applicable) so they can review the results. < We send you both the copy
11. After receiving the results, the feedback provider organises a feedback meeting as soon as possible after the summary has been received.
< You handle this
12. The participant and the feedback provider should meet for approximately 20-30 minutes to talk about the results of the survey.
< You handle this
13. The feedback provider then talks through the summary results for each item, discussing any issues that arise from the results.
< You handle this
14. The participant asks the administrator and feedback provider to sign the verification section of the Patient experience survey confidentiality and CPD verification form.
< We provide the signed form and your feedback provider signs the rest

Recording this CPD activity
Completion of this activity can be recorded on the CPD portfolio system. Participants will be asked to provide the following information:
- Number of forms collected.
< We provide this
- Start and end date
< We provide this
- Total hours
< You calculate this
- A blank copy of the survey used.
< We provide this
- A completed patient experience survey confidentiality and CPD verification form.
< We provide this

How do I sign up?

Visit this page here. Choose either a monthly plan (unlimited PES surveys and reports included) or the Free plan with the PES-only package add on. Or click on the button below:

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