Old fashioned, but important

Since 1960 all cars have been subject to annual assessments of roadworthiness, and the tests are still known by the initials of the organisation that introduced them, the old Ministry of Transport (MOT). The MOT has an outdated name and is based on an old idea, but that does not make it any less relevant or important to ensuring that cars are safe to drive.

For over 12 years it has been compulsory for doctors to undergo similar regular appraisals of their practice. When the process of revalidating doctors’ fitness to practise was introduced in 2012, annual appraisals acted as the foundation for the system, and the national media described the checks as “MOTs for doctors.” But, just as there are cars on the roads of Britain that do not have a valid MOT certificate, doctors’ appraisals remain compulsory yet not ubiquitous, with rates of uptake varying across organisations and medical grades.

In BMJ Careers Matthew Limb looks at a report examining what those trusts that are lagging behind in terms of appraisal rates can do to improve their performance (http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20019523). The report argues that having appropriate, supportive staff in place is more important than investing in new IT systems. At one trust the appraisal rate fell from 90% to 60% in the year that its lead on appraisal took a sabbatical and then climbed back to over 90% when the lead returned.

Wen Ling Choong and colleagues, who offer guidance on securing a post in core surgical training (http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20019582), also emphasise the importance of support from colleagues, rather than reliance on technical assistance. Their 12 tips for success are littered with examples of the benefits of engaging with colleagues, from speaking to recent applicants and employers to approaching potential research partners and referees.

The idea that talking to people and supporting colleagues might be more important than introducing another new system or technical process might seem old fashioned. But, like the MOT, that does not mean it is not both relevant and important.