FAQ: Supporting Information Collection

 

What information will I be expected to submit?

All doctors will be requested to submit information under four headings, as detailed in the GMC Guidance on Supporting Information for Appraisal. The RCGP’s version of the framework contains further guidance on the specific supporting information GPs will need to provide. If you do not provide information for the period prior to the commencement of revalidation you will not be penalised, but the vast majority of GPs will have information from earlier appraisals that they will wish to include in their revalidation portfolio. It is recommended that you begin to collect appropriate information now.

 

 

Will I have to pass an examination in order to revalidate?

For practising doctors, the answer is "no". That is because revalidation is about what doctors do in their actual practice. In most cases, an examination would not tell us about this.

 

Instead, revalidation will be based on annual appraisal in the workplace. It will require you to show, within the context of your practice, that you are meeting the appropriate professional standards.

 

 

How often do I need to participate in colleague and patient questionnaires for revalidation?

Our proposals currently require GPs to participate in one colleague survey and one patient questionnaire in the revalidation cycle. We propose that these should be completed within the first three years of the cycle to allow for a follow up survey if any problems are identified.

 

 

Which colleague and patient questionnaire tools should I use?

A summary of the tools which the RCGP currently recommends can be accessed here.

 

 

What is a learning credit and how are they accumulated?

The RCGP has developed a credits system to record the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities of GPs. The credits system will provide a mechanism for GPs to record their CPD based on the time spent on the activity and the impact it has on the doctor, their patients and the service. Credits are self-assessed and verified at appraisal.

 

At its simplest, each recorded hour spent on a CPD activity, which can include planning and reflection, will count as a credit. However, it will be possible to increase credits by demonstrating the impact of learning on practice. Demonstrating impact is rewarded by a multiplication factor of two applied to time spent.

 

For instance:

 

A GP attends an afternoon educational session on chronic kidney disease (2.5 hours). It is clear that the current guidelines in her practice are not up-to-date. So she discusses her learning at a practice meeting. She and a practice nurse are requested to review the practice guidelines; the new guidelines are agreed. She claims 5 Learning Credits (2.5 multiplied by 2 because there was impact on the practice). She will also claim learning credits for time spent on the revised guidelines and a subsequent audit of their effectiveness.

Find out more details about the RCGP's CPD Credits Scheme

 

 

Will there be a minimum number of sessions of clinical work to complete per annum in order to be able to achieve revalidation?

The RCGP’s proposed guidance includes a minimum number of clinical sessions before a standard revalidation portfolio can be considered – 200 in the five-year revalidation cycle period (100 of which should be in the two years prior to revalidation) – if the RCGP system of supporting information is to be used. Any doctor may submit whatever information that they can and their Responsible Officer will take a view on what information is submitted.

 

 

What is an ePortfolio?

The RCGP believes that an electronic method is the best solution for collecting and maintaining the information required for revalidation. The College has developed an electronic portfolio to support the revalidation needs of all GPs. The RCGP Revalidation ePortfolio is simple and easy to use, has been designed to aid reflection and will enable GPs to collect and demonstrate the supporting information required for revalidation. The ePortfolio can currently be used as an appraisal tool - however, in time it will be developed so that Lead Appraisers, Responsible Officers, Primary Care Organisation staff and others with key roles in the revalidation process will be able to access it. The College is committed to ensuring that the system will integrate with other RCGP CPD products, including the trainee ePortfolio, and with other available appraisal tools. It will aim to provide a complete solution for revalidation that builds on existing appraisal experience and the development of the RCGP trainee ePortfolio.

 

It is recommended that all GPs start collecting supporting information now and store it electronically.

 

Can I record supporting information for revalidation on paper?

The RCGP believes an ePortfolio is the best solution for both collecting and maintaining supporting information required for revalidation. However, in exceptional circumstances, it will be possible to complete a paper portfolio for revalidation. GPs who believe they will be unable to complete an electronic portfolio should email the RCGP Revalidation Team to seek advice.

 

 

What happens after I’ve submitted a portfolio as part of my application for revalidation?

Electronic portfolios submitted as part of the revalidation process will be reviewed by a Responsible Officer who will recommend to the GMC whether the doctor should be revalidated.

 

 

To provide feedback on any aspect of Revalidation please click here.