What factors impact on general practitioners' engagement with appraisal? A qualitative evaluation in Scotland

Authors: Wakeling, Judy; Cameron, Niall; Lough, Murray

Source: Education for Primary Care, Volume 19, Number 6, November 2008 , pp. 615-623(9)

Publisher: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

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Abstract:

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS AREA

• Previous quantitative research highlighted that many general practitioners (GPs) in Scotland have changed their behaviour as a result of appraisal but also showed that opinion is split as to the overall benefit of appraisal.

WHAT THIS WORK ADDS

• Moves towards appraisal becoming a summative method of performance management threaten the potential benefits of a developmental appraisal.

• Uncertainty exists about how challenging the process should be and the standard of evidence that should be required.

• The data suggest that most GPs are only willing to be appraised by another GP.

• Clear outcome measures are difficult to identify but the results report a modest but beneficial influence on clinical practice.

• Most of the participants in this study reported favourably on the skills of their appraiser.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

• An opportunity exists to establish how appraisal can become more relevant for greater numbers of general practitioners and to evaluate which tools can enhance and inform the process of appraisal and meet the requirements of revalidation.

Keywords: APPRAISAL; ATTITUDES; GENERAL PRACTICE; GENERAL PRACTITIONER

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-11-01

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