The peer review pilot project: a potential system to support GP appraisal in NHS Scotland?

GP appraisal may, in future, have to include objective and verifiable elements. This condition could be achieved by developing peer review of core areas of clinical practice. The setting for the study was two regions of NHS Education for Scotland (NES) without existing peer review systems (Figure 1). The South East region was further divided into South and East areas. A triangulation methodology was adopted to reflect the perspectives of peer reviewers, GPs submitting materials and the GPs appraising them (Figure 2). Outcomes measures included peer reviewers' feedback, learning needs identified by peer review, feedback from contributors and appraisers' perception of making judgements within GP appraisal. 1 Peer reviewers were recruited, trained and allocated to provide feedback on significant event analysis (SEA), criterion audit or video consultation submitted by professional colleagues. 2 GP appraisers voluntarily submitted materials for peer review then commented on feedback provided by peer reviewers. 3 A focus group of appraisers examined issues relating to professional judgement and national standards within appraisal. 4 All 15 peer reviewers recruited considered the project successful. Peer reviewers thought the model piloted could be delivered nationally if adequately resourced and supported by GPs. 5 Twenty six items (14 SEAs, nine audits and three videos) were submitted for peer review, which demonstrated moderate or high levels of learning need among GP participants. 6 In the focus group, most appraisers expressed difficulty making 'professional judgements' within appraisal but demonstrated a clear willingness to accept peer-reviewed material as evidence for discussion and development. Appraisers identified a range of educational material with the potential to conform to a national standard. There is potential for peer review to contribute to the development of objective and verifiable elements in GP appraisal, encouraging GPs to achieve agreed educational standards independent of the appraisal process. This small study suggests that a national system of peer review to support GP appraisal may be desirable among relevant stakeholders and should be explored further. Additional resources would clearly be required. A comparative review of different systems in other countries suggests further research is necessary to provide greater evidence of feasibility, acceptability and educational benefit of such a system in the UK.