Locums face 'struggle' under RCGP's revalidation proposals

16 December 2008

Locums could struggle to get the evidence required for revalidation under the RCGP's proposals, according to the National Association of Sessional GPs.

Dr Richard Fieldhouse (Photograph:Tom Wichelow)

Yesterday Healthcare Republic reported that the RCGP had written to all UK practices and primary care organisations seeking their views on revalidation.

Proposals include GPs submitting a portfolio of 12 items to a local responsible officer. These would include:

the results of at least two patient surveys,
a description of any cause for concern and a review of any formal complaint in which the doctor has been directly involved,
evidence of active and effective participation in a cycle of five annual appraisals over the five-year revalidation,
a personal development plan for each year agreed with an appraiser,
a review of the previous year's personal development plan,
self-accreditation of a minimum of 250 learning credits over the five-year cycle,
results of the last two multi-source feedbacks from colleagues,
a minimum of five significant event audits including that the GP has demonstrated reflection and change,
audits of the care delivered by the GP in at least two significant clinical areas of their practice, and,
statements of probity, health and use of healthcare including registration with a GP in another practice.

Dr Richard Fieldhouse, chief executive officer of the National Association of Sessional GPs, said: ‘I think the RCGP’s proposals for the conventional route to revalidation are entirely appropriate and are good for patients and GPs alike.

‘However, I am concerned that GP locums are still far behind in terms of the necessary support that they need in order to give them the same opportunities – without this support, my personal view is that many locums could struggle to get this evidence.

‘Our profession has spent significant resources over the years supporting practice-based GPs and now it’s time we focused on locum GPs – who represent 25% of all GPs.’

The consultation closes on 9 January 2009.

Email your views to responses@rcgp.org.uk