Verifying appraisal evidence using feedback from trained peers: views and experiences of Scottish GP appraisers

Revalidation: a professional imperative

“…New approaches to quality assurance of appraisal decisions will need to be designed and, as Bowie and colleagues demonstrate on page 484 of this issue, this is wrought with both conceptual and logistic challenges. 9 At a technical level, the IT systems supporting revalidation will have to become more sophisticated and the rigour of the measurement tools will need to improve. The answers to these challenges will emerge as revalidation is implemented and the process will evolve.…”

SMART, SMARTER, SMARTEST: The influence of peer groups compared to practice visits on the quality of action plans

“…The cost-effectiveness of PGs may well prompt a change towards the increased use of peers in appraisal, but there are further potential benefits. In PGs, participants benefit from discussing the feedback received by other participants, too, and in addition, feedback from peers seems to be highly appreciated (Bowie et al 2009) and leads to better practice outcomes than non-physician observers (van den Hombergh et al 1999).…”

“…In literature on GP practice appraisal, it has been reported that appraisal by peers can be just as effective as appraisal by trained non-peers (van den Hombergh et al 1999;Bowie et al 2009). Furthermore, feedback is considered to be more worthwhile when it has been given by peers (van den Hombergh et al 1999;Bowie et al 2009).…”

“…Furthermore, feedback is considered to be more worthwhile when it has been given by peers (van den Hombergh et al 1999;Bowie et al 2009). Obviously, peer groups (PGs) take considerably less staff time: they address multiple GP trainers at once and reduce travel time.…”

Medical appraisal and revalidation: can it improve patient care?

“…7 This shifting agenda is already evident and strands of work are emerging which describe the development of advanced appraiser skills; 8-12 make explicit the knowledge and skills required for the role 13,14 and formally recognise them. 15 Other work facilitates bench-marking through the development of quality assurance tools; [16][17][18] and demonstrate cross-sector working, for instance in training appraisers. 19 In the light of this shift in focus towards practice and process, we argue that there needs to be a similar shift in research and development activity concerning appraisal.…”