Plans revealed for simpler revalidation

14 September 2010

GPs undergoing revalidation will be asked to submit fewer reports than previously thought, according to RCGP revalidation lead Professor Mike Pringle.

He said GPs will have to fill out one multi-source feedback (MSF) questionnaire and one patient survey every five years. The move was reported in GP magazine where Professor Pringle said the policy decision had been made, and would be outlined in the next version of the college's revalidation guide, due to be released before Christmas.

It was previously thought that GPs would have to submit two MSF forms and two patient surveys every five years.

Professor Pringle said the change was a “key area” that would make a difference to GPs in revalidation. He told GP: “The decision has largely come in response to the GPC, which has been helpful in looking at the guidance and at where it thinks the proposals can be streamlined.

“It is currently my intention that the next version of the revalidation guide will reduce the expectation of the MSF and patient surveys.”

GPC negotiator Dr Richard Vautrey welcomed the change but added: “All this remains to be predicated on valid MSF feedback tools. Any proposed tool for MSF has to be appropriate for all of general practice.”

The changes were confirmed as the GMC claimed its latest revalidation plans had received “huge support” from both doctors and patients.

GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said there was “strong backing” for many of the proposals including the move to a more streamlined process, but he admitted there were concerns about how it will work in practice and when it will be introduced.

A full report on the revalidation consultation will be published on October 18 which will include a timetable for the introduction of the scheme across the UK.

He said: “The positive responses to our consultation have been enormously encouraging and demonstrate continuing support for revalidation. We have also listened carefully and we will review our proposals in light of the feedback.

"The final plans have to be simple and straightforward and will continue to involve doctors and employers to ensure revalidation works for them.”