How can a formative appraisal process contribute to a revalidation assessment?
The Government has agreed that appraisals in the NHS will be in line with the headings of Good Medical Practice and based on documented information. For the overwhelming majority of doctors this will allow the appraiser and the doctor being appraised to agree on any areas for professional development while the doctor continues to practise since patients are not at risk. This process will build up material that can provide the background for the revalidation assessment in the NHS and elsewhere. It will also ensure that on an annual basis another doctor has taken a close look at the doctors practice and been assured that he or she can safely continue practising. In some cases, a detailed record will be made of the discussion at the appraisal. This detailed note would not need to be submitted to the GMC.
