Sessional GPs: Support needed to provide the evidence required for appraisal and validation

Wharton, Richard; Pollard, Katherine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study set out to evaluate evidence
submitted by GPs for appraisal, and to explore how a model of appraisal can be developed which meets the needs of revalidation while remaining developmental and formative. This paper focuses on comparing evidence submitted by principal and sessional GPs, following previous work demonstrating problems facing the latter group.
METHODS: A checklist devised by one author was used by appraisers in one PCT to record evidence submitted for appraisal. This enabled a comparison between 76 principal and 47 sessional GPs of evidence submitted in one appraisal year from April 2008 to March 2009. The evidence was classified as personal or practice based, and the presence
of reflection was noted. This quantitative evidence was supplemented by qualitative data from five focus groups with 22 GPs and one appraisal manager, and by interviews with seven GP appraisal leads in PCTs.
RESULTS: While some differences were noted between principal and sessional GPs, there were no differences found between the proportion of principal and sessional GPs who submitted personal evidence concerning data collection/audit, significant events, multi-source feedback and complaints. Focus groups indicated reasons and
strategies which reflected these findings.
CONCLUSIONS: Sessional GPs have already begun to use innovative approaches to ensure they meet the evidence requirements of appraisal and revalidation. However, they are more likely to succeed if they are well supported by educational and practice networks.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2010
• Journal: Education for Primary Care
• Print ISSN: 1473-9879
• Electronic ISSN: 1475-990X
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 308-315
• Keywords: appraisal, evidence, revalidation, sessional doctors
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/976016
• Publisher URL: http://www.radcliffe-oxford.com/journals/j02_education_for_primary_care/
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Education for Primary Care following peer review. The definitive version "Wharton, Richard and Pollard, Katherine (2010) Sessional GPs: Support needed to provide the evidence required for appraisal and validation. Education for Primary Care, 21 (5). pp. 308-315" is available online at: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/rmp/epc/2010/00000021/00000005/art00006.