Identifying the performance criteria for appraisal of colposcopists: benchmarking Delphi.

BACKGROUND

Colposcopy forms an essential part of National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). With an increased emphasis on accountability and improved performance, there is a need to identify the performance criteria that are essential to be satisfied by the colposcopists at the time of appraisal.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the performance criteria essential for appraisal of colposcopists by two-generational Delphi survey.

DESIGN

Delphi survey.

SETTING

Annual British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology conference (BSCCP 2005, Edinburgh, UK).

POPULATION

Four hundred and ninety-nine delegates attending the above conference.

METHOD

A two-generational Delphi survey was undertaken to identify the criteria needed for appraisal. The participants were asked to rate the relevance of quality items that might be considered necessary for appraisal of performance of colposcopists. After the first round, the results were presented, and the respondents were given the chance to reflect on their response and change it if necessary.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Criteria considered to be essential for appraisal of colposcopists in areas of training, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects and communication.

RESULTS

In the first round, 306/499 (61%) participants returned the completed questionnaire. Sixty percent (187/306) of participants returned their questionnaire in the second round. In addition to BSCCP certification, four other criteria were identified, which were quality of recorded findings, biopsy rate when atypia noted, proportion of biopsies histologically adequate and proportion of normal initial posttreatment follow-up smears.

CONCLUSION

This Delphi survey has been the first to identify criteria to be used in the annual appraisal of professionals. It has resulted in a number of criteria that could be considered for the appraisal and possible revalidation of colposcopists practising in UK.