As a doctor, it is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. It is equally important to demonstrate that you are delivering safe and high-quality patient care, and that you are meeting the standards set by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Here’s what you need to know about GMC appraisal and revalidation.
What is Appraisal?
Appraisal is a process of self-reflection and assessment that helps doctors to identify their continuing professional development (CPD) needs and plan how to meet these needs. It is a key requirement for all doctors registered with the GMC.
The purpose of appraisal is to:
- Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement
- Reassure the GMC that you are delivering safe and effective care
- Identify your CPD needs and plan how to meet them
- Guide your career development.
What Happens During Appraisal?
The appraisal process involves a meeting between the appraiser (usually a senior colleague) and the doctor. During the meeting, the appraiser will ask the doctor to reflect on the past year and discuss their performance, achievements, and any challenges they faced.
The doctor will also be asked to provide evidence of their CPD activities and reflect on the impact that these activities have had on their practice.
What is Revalidation?
Revalidation is the process by which the GMC evaluates whether a doctor is fit to continue practicing. It involves collecting and reviewing a range of information about the doctor, including their appraisal results and feedback from colleagues, patients, and other stakeholders.
The purpose of revalidation is to:
- Ensure that all doctors are delivering safe and effective care
- Encourage doctors to engage in CPD activities and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in their field
- Identify any performance issues or concerns that need to be addressed.
What Happens During Revalidation?
Revalidation typically occurs every five years, and it involves collecting and submitting a range of information to the GMC. This includes:
- A summary of appraisal results from the past five years
- Feedback from colleagues, patients, and other stakeholders
- Evidence of CPD activities
- Details of any complaints or incidents that have been raised against the doctor.
The GMC will review this information to determine whether the doctor is fit to continue practicing.
Conclusion
GMC appraisal and revalidation are essential for ensuring that doctors are delivering safe and effective care. It provides doctors with the opportunity to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and plan how to meet their continuing professional development needs.
Revalidation ensures that doctors are continually engaging in CPD activities and meeting the latest standards set by the GMC. Together, appraisal and revalidation help to maintain the high standards of medical practice that are expected of doctors in the UK.
