COGPED Guidance

1.	Each Deanery needs to ensure that GP registrars:
		can pursue the ‘appraisal route’ to revalidation; and .
		are prepared for independent practice, which includes annual appraisal and quinquennial revalidation

2.	Appraisal is essentially part of training, and should normally be undertaken by the GP trainer (or a GP trainer colleague) for the following reasons
		Much of training uses formative assessment and constructive feedback, which should underpin appraisal.
		GP trainers build up detailed knowledge about their GP registrars, and have an enormous amount of information to facilitate the appraisal process. In fact GP registrar appraisal is likely to be based on 360 degree feedback, taking into account, for example, feedback from patients, colleagues, staff etc, which is not currently a requirement in the NHS GP appraisal scheme.
		Trainers have a relationship with their GP registrars in which feedback is expected and is the norm.
		Appraisal can be used as a valuable tool by the trainer for helping plan educational development.
		Trainers can use the appraisal process to teach about appraisal and revalidation
	GP trainers may need some extra training to undertake the task, but do not need to be accredited GP appraisers. Workplace based assessment will be a major aspect of any new assessment procedures in general practice training.
3.	Appraisal needs to take place at least on an annual basis, (and for practical purposes normally in any six month placement); should be based on the headings from Good Medical Practice; and, should result in the compilation of a personal development plan. This applies to all doctors in training (in both hospital and general practice).
4.	All GP registrars should maintain a folder to retain documentary evidence of the process and other evidence to support their revalidation. The documentation should be based on “Appraisal for Doctors in Training in the NHS. A framework to incorporate existing educational processes of Colleges, faculties and deaneries” (available on the Department of Health website) or an equivalent adaptation of the GP appraisal documentation. It is the responsibility of the GP registrar to ensure they have an annual appraisal and to maintain the folder. It is the responsibility of GP trainers and the Deanery to ensure all GP registrars have the opportunity of an annual appraisal.
5.	A copy of any summary of the appraisal (Form 4 in England or equivalent) should be sent to the Scheme Organiser or equivalent. It is not yet clear whether a copy of the summary needs to be sent to the primary care organisation (PCO) where the GPR is registered on the Supplementary List (soon to be the Performers List).
6.	The minimum standard for GP SHOs in hospital is that they should be covered by a Record of In-Training Assessment (RITA) process, which incorporates appraisal

Committee of General Practice Education Directors (COGPED)
April 2004

Paul Main is responsible for this page. It was last updated 18/4/07 and will be reviewed by 16/4/07.


© Severn Institute	Legal / Disclaimer	Design by Visual Productions Ltd