RCGP Releases Major New Guide to Revalidation
1st April 2009
A landmark document detailing everything GPs
will need to know and do in order to prepare for revalidation is
unveiled by the RCGP this week.
The Guide to the
Revalidation of General Practitioners sets out for the first
time the RCGP’s current proposals for the evidence that will be
required in order for GPs to be revalidated. It will evolve to
become the definitive source of advice for GPs, appraisers and
their advisors, and assessors.
RCGP Chairman Professor Steve Field said: “The
Guide for the Revalidation of General Practitioners is our most
explicit signal to date of the RCGP’s commitment to delivering a
professionally led system that is supportive, sensible and not
overly bureaucratic.”
“We have been determined to ensure that GPs
will have ample preparation time and the RCGP will provide a wide
range of resources to support them.”
“The Guide is the result of widespread
consultation and reflects the differing needs of those working in
many different employment circumstances across the UK.”
“As GPs we must show strong professional
leadership in taking this forward. Revalidation will improve the
standing of the profession and the quality of care we provide for
our patients.”
“For revalidation to be successful it needs
the active engagement of GPs and PCTs. Appraisal is key.”
“Funding is also important; the DOH have been
very helpful so far in providing funding for development and
pilots. The RCGP has also spent a substantial amount of money in
developing the model of revalidation, and we trust that the NHS in
all four countries will also ensure that revalidation is
appropriately funded when it finally goes live.”
The final details of revalidation for GPs will
need to be signed off by the General Medical Council; however it is
expected that the proposals in this Guide will be the kernel of the
approved system for revalidation.
While it has been agreed with a wide range of
stakeholders, the guide will be regularly updated in line with
consultation and future policy decisions made by the GMC,
Departments of Health, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and
others.
GPs are encouraged to begin gathering evidence
now before revalidation begins to be officially introduced from 1
April 2010.
The RCGP website will be re-branded from April
1 to reflect the significance of revalidation. The full guide will
be available online at http://www.rcgp.org.uk/