Revalidation

Revalidation is the process by which all doctors in the UK will be required to demonstrate that they are updating their clinical knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis and remain fit to practice medicine. This section of the website provides an overview of the key developments now under way to create a framework for the delivery of revalidation for doctors in the UK. As well as some brief background, there is a summary of the key proposals, information about who is involved and updates on practical developments relating to the standards, evidence and tools required to implement revalidation. This last section, in particular, will be updated regularly as the different initiatives evolve. Quick links to the latest developments can also be found in the box above. Much of the information is generic across specialties, but there are also details specific to the medical specialties, reflecting work being taken forward by RCPE in collaboration with its sister Colleges. If you have queries or comments on any of the initiatives described or, more generally, on the role of the Colleges in revalidation, please email.

Latest Developments GMC Revalidation FAQs AoMRC Revalidation Project Progress Report 2008 Principles and Next Steps Draft GMC Framework for Appraisal and Assessment Academy Project Plan for Specialist Recertification

Background

Plans for periodic revalidation of doctors in the UK have been under discussion for some time, particularly following the public inquiry in 2001 into failings in the children’s heart surgery service at Bristol Royal Infirmary. However, the current proposals for the introduction of revalidation were triggered specifically by The Shipman Inquiry, chaired by Dame Janet Smith, which concluded that the NHS and GMC did not have the systems or culture in place that would have allowed conduct such as that of Shipman to be detected. Following publication of Dame Janet Smith’s report, which also criticised the GMC’s existing plans for revalidation as inadequate, Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England, was asked to undertake a broad review of medical regulation.

The resulting report, published in July 2006 under the title Good doctors, safer patients, contained detailed recommendations for devolving some of the powers of the GMC to a local level, changing its structure and function, and creating a new framework for revalidation. Following extensive consultation, to which RCPE contributed, proposals for the reform of medical regulation were outlined by the Government in a White Paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century, published in February 2007 (the title reflects a parallel review undertaken of regulation of non-medical healthcare professionals). These proposals are now being taken forward through a series of legislative and non-legislative initiatives.

• The White Paper can be accessed here

• Good doctors, safer patients can be accessed here

but it should be noted that there are some differences between the report and the white paper, reflecting the consultation.

• RCPE’s response to the consultation is available here

Web-stream and audio from Revalidation meeting

• Open Meeting on Revalidation: Presentations

The three presentations are included in a single web-streamed file but are bookmarked within that if you want to jump to a particular speaker.

Background and progress
Professor David Webb, Vice President and Revalidation Lead, RCP Edinburgh

Specialist recertification and revalidation for physicians
Dr Ian Starke, Federation Director of CPD and Medical Director, Revalidation, RCP London

Appraisal and Responsible Officers
Dr Frances Elliot, Senior Medical Officer, Scottish Government Health Directorates, and Medical Director, NHS Fife

• Open Meeting on Revalidation: Panel Discussion – audio only
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