Supporting Information for appraisal and revalidation

During their annual appraisals, doctors will use supporting information to demonstrate that they are continuing to meet the principles and values set out in Good Medical Practice.

In April 2011, the GMC published new appraisal guidance for revalidation -  The Good Medical Practice Framework for Appraisal and Revalidation -  which outlines a simpler and more straightforward approach to revalidation and Supporting Information for Revalidation and Appraisal which sets out the core supporting information doctors will need to bring to appraisal and the frequency this information will need to be provided in a five-year revalidation cycle.

The supporting information will fall under four broad headings:

1. General information (personal details, scope of work, record of annual appraisals, personal development plan and probity and health statements)
2. Keeping up to date
3. Review of your practice
4. Feedback on your practice

There are six types of supporting information that all doctors will be expected to provide and discuss at appraisal at least once in each five year cycle. They are:

1. Continuing professional development
2. Quality improvement activity
3. Significant events
4. Feedback from colleagues
5. Feedback from patients (where applicable)
6. Review of complaints and compliments.

By providing the information referred to above over the 5-year revalidation cycle, you should be able to satisfy the requirements of Good Medical Practice

About the Good Medical Practice Framework

The Framework consists of four domains which cover the spectrum of medical practice. They are:

• Domain 1 - Knowledge, skills and performance
• Domain 2 - Safety and quality
• Domain 3 - Communication, partnership and teamwork
• Domain 4 - Maintaining trust

Each domain is described by three attributes. The attributes define the scope and purpose of each domain. These attributes relate to practices or principles of the profession as a whole.

The principles and values have been pared down from the full advice in Good Medical Practice. They are examples of the types of professional behaviours expected of all doctors.

Specialty specific requirements for pharmaceutical physicians

We are in process of setting out the more specific requirements for our specialties within the six categories outlined by the GMC. This should be available here soon.

Pharmaceutical physicians should continue collating their evidence for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).