Clare Gerada: What to do with appraisal

As we wait for the next phase of the pandemic, many of us are beginning to take stock of our experiences (good and bad) over the past tumultuous months. Despite the problems, there have been positive aspects to the changes in our working lives. For example, doctors have enjoyed the freedom of being able to determine their own learning needs—as adults should—for team working, clinical supervision, and a focus on psychological wellbeing.

They have welcomed new flexibilities in revalidation and appraisal. When appraisal became compulsory in 2004 it was …