Why Medical Appraisals and Revalidation Supports Best Practices & Improves the Medical Profession

A Medical appraisal allows a Doctor to take a step back from his work and think how he can improve himself in his work as a medical professional. It’s a framework that supports self- improvement and with the collaboration with a trained colleague focuses on the following:

• Reviewing achievements and challenges, lessons learnt and filling in gaps for future development
• Planning future objectives, aspirations, any further training or development

A Medical appraisal must be completed every year by a trained and certified medical appraiser and it gives your patients confidence that you're up to date.

There are three stages to the appraisal:

1. Appraisal inputs, including a record of the doctor’s scope and nature of work and relevant supporting information
2. A confidential appraisal discussion between doctor and the appraiser
3. A personal development plan and a summary of the appraiser discussion and the appraiser’s statements.

You can look for a private medical appraiser to carry out your yearly appraisal. They will generally be a licensed Doctor with knowledge of the Doctors speciality. Be sure to choose an appraiser who has knowledge and understand the skills of your field of work.

All appraisers should take part in appraiser training to fully understand their responsibilities. A two day medical appraiser course was created by the NHS and consists of a New appraiser resource pack and training slide pack. As an appraiser, you will be expected to take part in the appropriate continuing professional development, and to attend peer networking events to keep up to date with the latest developments and updated requirements. NHS England has set up an appraisal body and network, which covers national, regional and local levels. Each designated body has been requested to nominate a clinical appraisal lead to partake in the network. At appraisal meetings, medical professionals have the opportunity to exchange thoughts and adjust appraisal-related tasks.

How can Doctors prepare for a Medical Appraisal?

The Medical appraisal guide (MAG) are designed to help doctors, nurses and medical professions understand how they need to prepare for and what to expect during the medical appraisal process.

The initial step for a Doctor is to complete the medical appraisal guidance Form (Mag Form) which details the steps and process that the appraisal will follow.

The appraisal must be based on a structured form which you should keep along with your supporting information. The structured appraisal form must contain the following sections:

• personal details
• scope of practice since your last appraisal
• review of your personal development plan
• details of support information and reflection
• probity and health statements
• agreed personal development plan for coming year
• a summary of the appraisal discussion.

You and your appraiser should record the information clearly in the form. We would dissuade from the use of handwritten forms as its common knowledge that most Doctors can only produce scribbled handwriting.

Responsible Officers – who are they and what is their role?

RO’s or responsible officers are senior doctors within their organisation or designated body to manage the personnel in their area and verify they are up to date and have a valid Medical Appraisals Service on record. All Doctors will be assigned a RO. If you work in more than one organisation or practice, you will still have only one responsible officer.

Scott Jack is Guest blogger And digital marketing expert. Also, loves music, travelling, adventure, family and friends.