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- Page navigation anchor for Appraisal and revalidation - time for a critical look?Appraisal and revalidation - time for a critical look?The authors do an excellent job of making us think. I agree that the annual appraisal session is totally inappropriate for enquiry into general well-being etc.Given that NHS GP spends a lot of money and time on a process which has never, to my knowledge, been subjected to critical review, might this be a good time to look closely at the effectiveness of appraisal and revalidation? Since we actually have a gap in the process which we would otherwise not had?Competing Interests: None declared.
- Page navigation anchor for Appraisal, wellbeing and pandemics: why a focus on wellbeing is always warrantedAppraisal, wellbeing and pandemics: why a focus on wellbeing is always warranted
Doctors are human beings, with personal and professional needs. Many have spent the pandemic supporting others with little support themselves. The restart of appraisals offers protected time to have a confidential reflexive conversation with a well-trained peer. The rebalanced ‘Appraisal 2020’ process1 minimises the pre-appraisal paperwork and recognises the impact of the pandemic. We urge doctors to seize this opportunity to make their appraisals valuable and ensure their investment of time delivers maximum benefit to themselves and their patients.
A focus on well-being in appraisal is always warranted. In the World Medical Association Declaration of Geneva,2 doctors pledge: “I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard”. A doctor who is unwell cannot give their best care to patients - yet many doctors do not prioritise maintaining their own health and well-being. The risk of burnout for doctors was high even before the pandemic. Appraisal, as a process reaching all doctors3, is a proactive way to offer a safe place to discuss any concerns and be signposted to resources4 as needed.
Doctors should understand the code of conduct5 which defines the limits of professional confidentiality in any setting. If a doctor discloses a risk to personal or patient safety appropriate action must be taken immediately to protect...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: Dr Caesar and Professor Layer are doctors subject to appraisal and revalidation. Dr Caesar was the Chair, Professor Layer the Vice-Chair and Dr Barasi one of the lay representatives on the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Professional Development Committee Medical Appraisal 2020 Task and Finish Group which worked with key stakeholders to define the new process for the restart of appraisals, with a reduction in the required pre-appraisal documentation and a rebalanced focus on support, development and the wellbeing of doctors in the context of the pandemic.