Appraisal
A strategy paper ‘Principles
of GP Appraisal’, which sets out a policy and principles to
underpin the appraisal process for General Practitioners working in
the national health systems of the four countries of the UK, was
endorsed by the RCGP Council on 29th February 2008.
The purpose of Appraisal is to enable all General Practitioners
to participate in continuous improvement of the quality of their
practice and to assist in the early identification of doctors in
difficulty so that they can be offered appropriate support.
Appraisal will support and inform Revalidation. Accordingly, the GP appraisal
process is being developed, delivered and resourced to meet UK
regulatory requirements for Revalidation.
"The appraisal process, which will be a central
component of Revalidation, should be both formative and summative
to ensure that the required standards are
met".
Trust Assurance and Safety, February 2007
Appraisal should enable all GPs to demonstrate through the
collection of a single portfolio of evidence (including evidence of
Continuing Professional Development),
that they meet the required standards for Revalidation.
Personal Development Plan (PDP)
Development of your PDP is a central part of the appraisal
process. The content will set your learning agenda for the coming
year and should facilitate reflective practice. A paper
'Personal
Development Plan Guidance for Appraisers' which provides
guidance to appraisers on how to advise their appraisees on
PDP construction was endorsed by the RCGP Council on 14th June
2008.
Quality Assurance of Appraisal
The RCGP, in partnership with GMC, will set the standards for
external quality assurance of appraisal to ensure that appraisal is
fit for the purposes of Revalidation. A paper is in development
which will outline the quality assurance process of GP appraisal
and the work of appraisers, describing specific requirements and
good practice. It will include guidance on recruitment, selection
and training of appraisers.