Revalidation for general practitioners: randomised comparison of two revalidation models

doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7441.687

BMJ 2004;328:687-691 (20 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7441.687

Learning in practice

Revalidation for general practitioners: randomised comparison of two revalidation models

David Bruce, director of postgraduate general practice education¹, Katie Phillips, project officer¹, Ross Reid, associate adviser¹, David Snadden, professor², Ronald Harden, professor of medical education³

¹ NHS Education for Scotland, Tayside Centre for General Practice, Dundee DD2 4AD, ² Northern Medical Program, Universities of Northern British Colombia and British Colombia, Prince George, BC, Canada V2N 4Z9, ³ Centre for Medical Education, University of Dundee, Dundee

Correspondence to: D Bruce d.bruce{at}tcgp.dundee.ac.uk

Abstract

Objective To compare two models of revalidation for generalpractitioners.

Design Randomised comparison of two revalidation models.

Setting Primary care in Tayside, Scotland.

Participants 66 Tayside general practitioners (principals andnon-principals), 53 of whom completed the revalidation folders.

Interventions Two revalidation models: a minimum criterion basedmodel with revalidation as the primary purpose, and an educationaloutcome model with emphasis on combining revalidation with continuingprofessional development.

Main outcome measures Feasibility and acceptability of eachapproach and effect on the doctor's continuing professionaldevelopment. The ability to make a summative judgment on completedmodels and whether either model would allow patient groups tohave confidence in the revalidation process.

Results The criterion model was preferred by general practitioners.For both models doctors reported making changes to their practiceand felt a positive effect on their continuing professionaldevelopment. Summative assessment of the folders showed reasonableinter-rater reliability.

Conclusions The criterion model provides a practical and acceptablemodel for general practitioners to use when preparing for revalidation.

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