Junior Doctor Appraisal
Appraisal is a term viewed with uncertainty by many, but something that
is central to a truly educational post.
Appraisal in Severn is a time spent helping an individual to set and
review their own goals for the post they are in.
Core elements are:
- An uninterrupted time for discussion
- A focus on what an individual wishes to learn whilst in the post
- Positive encouragement by a facilitator to help set personal learning
goals
For 6 month ST1/2 posts there should be at least three appraisals should
take place. These are:
- At the start of the post
- Mid-way through the post, usually month 3
- Before the end of the post, usually month 5
For four month posts there are usually two appraisals.
Each appraisal has a different emphasis:
First Appraisal: Setting learning
objectives
The first appraisal identifies what is known already and what the doctor
wants or needs to know by the end of the post. It is usually at the time of
the induction.
Second Appraisal: Review of learning
objectives mid-post
The second appraisal reviews which goals have been achieved, what remains
to be done and how it will be done.
Third Appraisal: Review and feedback
The third appraisal reviews which goals have been achieved and what
remains to be done in future posts.
The nature of the appraisal changes as the post progresses. It is
initially formative - it determines learning objectives and helps with
planning learning.
The final appraisal is summative, as feedback is given as well as
formative for the next post. In this case it is important to make clear
which parts are confidential, i.e. the planning parts, and which will be
recorded as a summary of feedback and represent an assessment.
The aim of the appraisal cycle is that the ST1/2 should leave feeling
valued, and that he or she has been helped to develop their skills further
within areas of difficulty they have experienced.
Appraisal is an opportunity to praise and provide constructive feedback.
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