General practitioner appraisal and quality assurance

Author: Walton, Nick

Source: Education for Primary Care, Volume 18, Number 6, November 2007 , pp. 704-711(8)

Publisher: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $20.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA

• The NHS Clinical Governance Support Team (CGST) has devised a suitable framework for the quality assurance of appraisal for all doctors in the UK.

• A previous survey has raised concerns in terms of lack of formal recruitment and selection procedures of appraisers, annual reporting to primary care trust (PCT) boards and assessment of appraiser skills. Lack of a defined annual budget.

WHAT THIS WORK ADDS

• Confirms widespread use of elements of the framework in assessing quality assurance of GP appraisal.

• Highlights concerns regarding lack of lay involvement in the general practitioner (GP) appraisal process, the perceived lack of challenge in appraisal and lack of PCT administrative support.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

• Role of appraisal in revalidation?

• Need to develop robust systems of quality assurance.

• Evaluate roles of PCTs and deaneries in appraisal.

• How to make appraisal more challenging and meaningful.

• Need to develop ongoing training for appraisers and reaccreditation.

• Involve the public in the process and how this may influence/change GP appraisal.

• Role/value of appraisal in improving clinical practice.

Keywords: APPRAISAL; GENERAL PRACTITIONERS; QUALITY ASSURANCE

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-11-01

More about this publication?