UK ’s largest independent doctors’ organisation launches quality assured appraisal scheme

  All doctors are required to undergo revalidation in order to continue practising and the recognised format is an appraisal process.  The Independent Doctors Forum (IDF) has introduced the first quality assured and GMC-accredited appraisal scheme for independent doctors.

The IDF is the UK ’s largest organisation for Independent Medical Practitioners with membership of Specialists and General Practitioners working in full or part time practice.  In order to offer its new Appraisal Service, the organisation has developed an approved training programme, in which doctors have been trained to be Appraisers.  Ongoing appraiser-training in the form of workshops every six months are then organised for the Appraisers. 

After providing private practitioners with all the requisite documentation and paperwork, the IDF Administration makes a random pairing of Appraiser and Appraisee.   Following the required number of completed appraisals and submission of all the documentation, a certificate will be issued by the IDF, signed by Chair of Council and Chair of Appraisal Sub-committee prior to submission for the revalidation of each doctor.

If you would be interested to find out more about the Independent Doctors Forum Appraisal System, you can find further information on its website at www.independentdoctorsforum.net <http://www.independentdoctorsforum.net/> or you can contact Rachel Whitelegg on 020 8504 6568 or by e-mail to Rachel@tidylife.org.

Founded in London 15 years ago, the IDF now has a membership of over 500 and is much more than simply a “Forum”. Regional meetings are spreading the awareness of the influence of IDF, and increasing membership from outside the M25 area is making IDF representative of private practice in the UK as a whole. An elected Council of 12 members acting in an honorary capacity, coordinates the many activities of the Forum. Council is equally divided between Specialists and GP’s. The IDF is a professional and robust body of medical professionals actively negotiating with and influencing those who monitor and seek to further regulate the Private Sector. 

The IDF organises a wide range of events, ranging from the educational to the informal and purely social.  Above all, the Forum provides a place in which independent doctors can come together to exchange information, ideas and experiences.

 (23/6/04)