Evaluation of IDF Medical Appraisal 2020

In April 2021 the IDF published its evaluation of IDF Medical Appraisal 2020 which was established in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Appraisees and appraisers were clearly informed about the expectations of Medical Appraisal 2020 particularly in terms of a more flexible and supportive approach in light of the pandemic, and that there was an understanding that the usual requirements for supporting information might not have been possible to obtain due to their circumstances. Appraisees and appraisers were also reminded that the GMC’s requirements for revalidation had not changed. 

Overall, this evaluation showed that IDF Medical Appraisal 2020 worked well in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic with positive feedback from appraisers, appraisees and the revalidation team particularly regarding the role of remote appraisals and the focus on the impact of the pandemic on personal and professional development and wellbeing with a flexible and supportive approach. Most appraisals included usual amounts of supporting information, but a few presented very little which was more challenging for the appraisers in terms of having a meaningful discussion at the appraisal meeting and writing a comprehensive summary. Some appraisers expressed concern about this if little or no supporting information was to be presented on an ongoing basis. 
The IDF has always aimed for appraisals to be supportive, and the supportive rebalanced approach of Medical Appraisal is welcome. The IDF supports the ongoing emphasis on quality of supporting information rather than quantity as was previously recommended in the Pearson report in 2017 and it is important that appraisees are proportionate in their preparation.  

You can access the full Evaluation 

here

The evaluation of IDF Medical Appraisal 2020 has been shared with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the GMC.

The GMC has also commissioned an independent evaluation which aims to understand the experiences and impacts of, and attitudes towards Medical Appraisal 2020. The IDF was one of ten organisations asked to give feedback in this research and the RO and Revalidation Director have met with the research company. All IDF appraisers and appraisees who undertook an appraisal between 1st October 2020 and 31st March 2021 have also been emailed a link to give feedback through a quantitative survey and interview as part of the GMC evaluation. The research will help the GMC develop an evidence base to support a decision on whether they should endorse the rebalanced appraisal model on a permanent basis through an update to current guidance. The outcome of the GMC’s evaluation is expected in Autumn 2021. 

In July 2021 the IDF updated the remote appraisal policy in light of restrictions easing to allow a more flexible approach to remote appraisals building on the positives of remote appraisal during the pandemic. It is still recommended that the appraiser and appraisee consider meeting at least once face to face during the course of the 3-year cycle, preferably for the first pairing if distance does not make this impractical.