1. Introduction

The trainer appraisal visit is part of the quality assurance system employed by the Scheme. This quality assurance system satisfies GMC requirements for specialist training programmes.

2. Outline of the scheme

Trainer appraisal is carried out by the training programme director (TPD) or one of the course organisers on a biennial basis. An interim trainer interview will briefly ascertain progress with the educational PDP and any issues that have arisen from GP training in the previous year.

The appraisal interview is expected to last about 2 hours and will usually take place at the training practice. The interim trainer interview is expected to last about 20-30 minutes and will usually take place at the scheme office before a trainer workshop.

The reappointment of trainers is organised by the Deanery every 3 years, with reapproval of premises every 5 years. This will normally be an information based exercise with no visit to the trainer unless this is triggered by concerns, a trainer request for a visit or for Deanery quality assurance purposes (nominally 10% of trainer reaccreditations).

3. Aims and Objectives

The main aim of the appraisal scheme is to enhance the educational skills of the individual trainer, ultimately achieving an enhanced experience for the trainee. The objectives are:

• to identify trainers strengths and weaknesses
• to improve their knowledge and skills
• to identify trainers own training needs
• to identify any unresolved problems
• to provide a supportive role
• to provide feedback to the Scheme
• to aid Scheme and Deanery development
  

4. Preparation for the appraisal meeting

The date will be fixed sufficiently in advance to allow planning by both appraiser and appraisee, and enable an agenda to be fixed prior to the meeting. It is expected that the appropriate documentation is returned by the trainer to the Scheme office at least 2 weeks before the intended appraisal date.

The appraisers will gather information from the following sources:

• A self appraisal form completed in advance by the trainer
• The Trainer Needs Assessment Questionnaire (TNAQ) completed by the trainer.
• Feedback from trainees: Tynedale questionnaire; midpoint meetings with scheme organisers; discussion with current trainee and current GPR feedback form.
• Previous appraisals and reappointment visits.
• Informally from trainer workshops.

Such information will help inform the agenda of the meeting, and will be shared in advance with the trainer. The trainer will also provide items for the agenda.

5. The appraisal visit

The visit will take place at the trainers surgery and last about two hours.
The agenda will form the backbone of the meeting, although other issues may obviously be raised. The visit should not raise any surprise issues.

The performance of the trainer will be assessed against the Regional Criteria for Reappointment of Trainers, but good practice that goes beyond the criteria will be shared and disseminated.

The visit will finish with both parties agreeing objectives, which will primarily be for the benefit of the trainer, but may also have implications for the Scheme. The objectives will include specific targets and follow-up dates (ie a PDP).

6. Reports

The appraisal discussion will be written up as a report for the trainer. This detailed report and the trainer's PDP will be kept on file in the VTS office and will be accessible to the Scheme and trainer. It will also form part of the Deanery/GMC quality assurance process.

7. Evaluation of the appraisal scheme

• Short term evaluation
  An evaluation sheet will seek views on the appraisal
• Long term evaluation
  The scheme may need to run for several years before we can really evaluate it's effectiveness as judged against it's overall aims. We shall be looking for increased trainer performance measured against the regional criteria for reappointment, as well as trainee feedback. We expect that appraisal will enable trainers to be well prepared for reappointment by the Deanery. The appraisal scheme will not have succeeded if the reappointment reveals major surprises, or ends in failure to renew the training contract for a full period.

8. Training

The Schemes appraisers have attended courses in appraisal skills training.

Updated by BC on 21/2/08