Dr Surina Chibber, guest GP Columnist
If you're reading this than you may have your appraisal in a few weeks or months...if you have it in a few days then stop reading this and get onto your portfolio and start reflecting now!
Here are my 5 top tips for a crash course in completing your appraisal.
Tip 1: Know what you need to do
The GMC requires you to gather the following 6 types of supporting information:
More details can be found here http://www.rcgp.org.uk/revalidation/~/media/Files/Revalidation-and-CPD/Revalidation/Guidance-for-GPs/Guide-to-Revalidation-September-2014.ashx
Tip 2: use the power of the internet
The internet is a fantastic way to facilitate your learning. You can use many free online resources to achieve the 50 CPD points you need. Remember 1 CPD credit = 1 hour of learning activity accompanied by a reflective record.
If you can demonstrate that the learning has been implemented in practice ie. an improvement in patient care or positive changes in an area of your work then you can claim 2 learning credits for each hour of learning activity.
Here are a few useful resources for online CPD or links to events, some of which are free:
http://pulse-learning.co.uk/free-modules
http://masterclasses.bmj.com/webinars?gclid=CMC8i6KmzsMCFQf4wgodjToA2w
http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=x20060226085626725580
Network Locum (now Lantum) also run regular free CPD events – keep an eye on Melissa and Will’s GP Locum Group on Facebook for details.
Tip 3: Use your smart phone
For your appraisal you need to provide supportive evidence of your learning and development. A quick way of recording this is by taking pictures of the minutes of significant event meetings you attend or lecture notes or handouts and upload onto your portfolio.
If you've shared cases for advice or information in peer groups (for example online ones like Tikos GP group or Melissa and Wills locum group) you can upload screen shots to add to your supportive evidence.
Tip 4: Be positive
Significant events don't have to be associated with negative outcomes. Consider if you did anything that positively changed your practice for the better as a result of a significant event. Alternatively you could also email practices where you have worked and ask to attend their significant events meetings. If f you can't attend, ask for a copy of the minutes and reflect on those, commenting on how this will change your clinical practice in the future.
Tip 5: save time and multitask
All working mums know that multitasking is key! Listen to webinars, podcasts while walking, on the tube or driving to or from work and upload the links onto your portfolio. This is a great way of keeping up to date especially if you have limited time because of family or childcare commitments and so are unable to spend hours reading or attending courses.
Examples of podcasts can be found here http://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=2277
Good luck and remember that although appraisal can be daunting, it is there to support you in your professional development.
