Consultation results show support for revalidation

Results from the General Medical Council’s (GMC) consultation on revalidation have revealed widespread support for revalidation from doctors and patients alike.

Many responses were in agreement with the proposal to move to a more streamlined process for appraisal, where doctors are regularly assessed against measures outlined in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice guidance.

However, there was still some concern regarding how revalidation will work in practice and when it will be formally introduced.

Regulations are also being brought in by parliament to allow for the introduction of Responsible Officers. It is thought they will be in place in Northern Ireland from 1 October 2010 and in the rest of the UK from January 2011.

The full results from the consultation will be published on 18 October 2010, which will report on any further changes that will be made before revalidation is brought in. The report will also include a timetable for the introduction of revalidation across the UK.