Overview of Medical Appraisal in Scotland
Now that we are into the second revalidation cycle, evidence from the Pearson report shows that the annual whole practice appraisal process is well embedded. Scotland has taken a national approach to supporting appraisal and revalidation via the electronic SOAR platform, and by providing the training and updates for new and established appraisers through NES. This gives great consistency here. Niall Cameron in his time as National Appraisal Adviser has been instrumental in leading the development of much of this and I want to thank him for this and for the comprehensive handover he has given me.
One of the recommendations from the Pearson report is driving up the quality and consistency of appraisal. Scotland is well placed to take on this challenge. We have a fantastic team of committed course tutors delivering the training across the country. This consistently receives good feedback. There is an active network of appraisal leads that is regularly reviewing appraisal provision, provides peer support and is a forum to discuss any issues that arise at a national level. This is supplemented by the annual Appraisers Conference, a space for appraisers to network, find out about any new developments and deepen their knowledge and skills.
Revalidation has helped strengthen governance processes. All doctors understand the need to provide evidence to show they are up-to-date and fit to practise and discuss how they are doing that with their appraiser. This has also led to some doctors feeling the process has become quite burdensome, and some of the initial advantages of appraisal in supporting personal development and improvement are not as prominent. At times when people working in the NHS are under significant pressure there can be a tendency to just concentrate on what needs to be done and not make the most of this protected space and time to reflect on the previous year and plan for the future that appraisal offers.
In order to increase the value for doctors of having annual appraisals we can work towards giving more time and reflective space to a discussion of achievements, challenges and aspirations.
Meeting the regulatory requirements will continue to remain an important part of appraisal and revalidation. In order to increase the value for doctors of having annual appraisals we can work towards giving more time and reflective space to a discussion of achievements, challenges and aspirations. This will extend the opportunities to talk through the improvements in patient care doctors are making and the challenges they are facing. Exploring this with a colleague in a 1:1 situation in the appraisal and discussing the aspirations doctors have will support them consider their personal development plans, and ensure they are achievable and relevant to them.
The last twelve months have seen a significant change in the team supporting appraisal and revalidation at NES. When I took over as Associate Postgraduate Dean for Appraisal and Revalidation in January, I was made to feel very welcome. I want to thank the NES team and the Appraisal Leads and Responsible Officers as well as the various other people who have given me their time and have shared their experience with me. I look forward to working with everyone involved in appraisal and revalidation in Scotland to make an excellent system even better.
Dr Christiane Shrimpton
Associate Postgraduate Dean for Appraisal and Revalidation
NHS Education for Scotland
Westport 102
West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DN
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