Revalidation Projects and Pilots
Revalidation represents the biggest change to medical regulation in 150 years. We therefore need to carry out rigorous and extensive pilot testing of the different components to ensure that the model is efficient, effective and fit for purpose.
We will also need to look at how the model operates in different practice settings and in different parts of the UK.
Revalidation is not just about the processes operated by the GMC. The effectiveness of revalidation will depend very much upon the ability of systems in NHS Trusts and elsewhere to generate the required information about doctors’ practice.
Much of our early piloting work has therefore involved working with other organisations to look at how their processes will help to support revalidation.
Examples of our early piloting work
Revalidation in general practice in Wales
We are currently working with the School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education in Wales to look at the readiness of local clinical governance systems in general practice in Wales to support revalidation.
The main focus of the project is the development of a self-assessment tool for use by Local Health Boards (LHBs) in Wales.
The purpose of the tool is to obtain information on the state of clinical governance, appraisal and multi-source feedback systems (systems through which doctors obtain feedback about their practice from patients and colleagues) in LHBs which commission general practice services in Wales.
The project is due to publish a final report at the end of 2008 on the readiness of systems in general practice in Wales to support revalidation.
Revalidation for locum doctors working in NHS Trusts in England
NHS Professionals (NHSP) works in partnership with NHS Trusts to provide locum doctors for short term and long term vacancies across England.
We have been working with NHSP on a high level review of its appraisal and clinical governance systems and the extent to which those systems could support revalidation.
We are also working with NHSP on a further project looking at the type and quality of evidence locum doctors are able to bring to the appraisal process.
This project will also allow us to identify any specific equality and diversity issues which may affect locum doctors. The project is due for completion in the summer of 2009.