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 practise 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 revalidation process, information about who is involved, details of the framework for physicians and updates on tools and guidanceto assist doctors preparing for appraisal and 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 to the right. 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 proposals and projects described or, more generally, on the role of the Colleges in revalidation, please email.

Latest Developments NHS Revalidation Support Team: updates RCPE response to GMC consultation GMC Podcast - Revalidation and you The Way Ahead Consultation (March 2010) GMC Revalidation FAQs

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 subsequent report (Good doctors, safer patients) and White Paper (Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century) were followed by the passing of legislation in 2008 granting the powers to establish revalidation. 

Throughout these developments, RCPE has been committed to representing the views of Fellows and Members through active involvement in all the relevant national committees and projects (see who is involved).  As part of the College’s information sharing and consultation with Fellows and Members, two open meetings have been held; the full presentations from the most recent meeting on 11th May 2010 are available below.

Web-stream from Revalidation for Physicians Meeting

• Revalidation for Physicians

Welcome and Introduction
Professor Brian Frier, Vice President and Revalidation Lead, RCP Edinburgh

The Specialty Framework for Physicians
Dr Ian Starke, Federation Director of CPD and Medical Director, Revalidation, RCP London

Strengthened Appraisal
Professor Charles Swainson, Co-Chair, Appraisal Leads Group, Scottish Government Health Department

The Role of the Responsible Officer
Professor Charles Swainson, Medical Director, NHS Lothian

The Role of the Colleges
Proffesor George Youngson, Chair, Scottish Academy Revalidation Group

Panel Discussion

Delivered and recorded on 11 May 2010