Finlay Karen, McLaren Susan
Qual Prim Care. 2009;17(6):387-95.
Revalidation of the medical profession is under review and a system has been proposed to ensure doctors meet standards of practice and professionalism. The current appraisal system allows clinicians to chart their progress and identify developmental needs in order to improve performance. Appraisal is now an annual compulsory requirement for all doctors.
The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of general practitioners (GPs) of the current appraisal process. The specific objectives were to consider the impact the appraisal process had exerted on their learning, practice and individual continuing professional development (CPD).
We employed a cross-sectional design using a postal questionnaire sent to all doctors who work as GPs (n = 385) in West Kent.
Questionnaires were returned from 71.7% of doctors (n = 276). The key findings obtained were that 47.5% (n = 131) of doctors stated that taking part in the appraisal process had enhanced their learning, 40.2% (n = 111) felt that the appraisal process had improved their practice and 55.8% (n = 154) stated that the appraisal process had encouraged their CPD. Qualitative findings derived from thematic analysis of open questions revealed that participants viewed the role of the appraiser as respected peer to be vital and there was a need for independence in the appraiser's appointment. The time-consuming nature of the appraisal process was emphasised, with little protected time for preparation of documentation and engagement in CPD. Concerns were expressed about links between appraisal and revalidation.
Many doctors considered that the appraisal process had enhanced their learning, improved their practice and encouraged their CPD. A vital, independent role for the appraiser was emphasised as was a need to review the time-consuming nature of the current appraisal process, together with identifying protected time to complete this and CPD engagement. As the role of appraisal within the revalidation process changes it is recognised that ensuring the quality, consistency and nature of appraisal will be essential to maintain the confidence of patients and doctors.
医学职业再认证正在接受审查，并且已提出一个系统以确保医生符合执业标准和专业素养要求。当前的评估系统使临床医生能够规划自身进展并确定发展需求，从而提高绩效。评估现已成为所有医生每年的强制要求。
本研究旨在调查全科医生（GPs）对当前评估过程的体验。具体目标是考量评估过程对他们的学习、执业和个人持续专业发展（CPD）所产生的影响。
我们采用横断面设计，通过邮寄问卷的方式发给在西肯特郡担任全科医生的所有医生（n = 385）。
71.7%的医生（n = 276）回复了问卷。获得的主要发现是，47.5%（n = 131）的医生表示参与评估过程增强了他们的学习，40.2%（n = 111）认为评估过程改善了他们的执业，55.8%（n = 154）表示评估过程促进了他们的持续专业发展。对开放式问题进行主题分析得出的定性结果显示，参与者认为评估者作为受尊重的同行的角色至关重要，并且评估者的任命需要独立性。评估过程的耗时性得到强调，几乎没有用于准备文件和参与持续专业发展的保护时间。人们对评估与再认证之间的联系表示担忧。
许多医生认为评估过程增强了他们的学习，改善了他们的执业并促进了他们的持续专业发展。强调了评估者至关重要且独立的角色，同时有必要审视当前评估过程的耗时性，并确定用于完成评估和参与持续专业发展的保护时间。随着评估在再认证过程中的角色发生变化，人们认识到确保评估的质量、一致性和性质对于维持患者和医生的信心至关重要。
