Educator appraisal--occurrence and experience of hospital consultants in north-west England

It is recommended all hospital consultants with educational responsibilities undergo appraisal of their educational role by their employer: a key component of revalidation. To support this process locally, the North Western Deanery developed guidance on educational appraisal. We wished to establish the frequency and perceived value of educator appraisal.

A web-based questionnaire of 605 hospital consultants with educational responsibilities in north-western England was conducted to collect data.

Only 17.7% had been appraised for their educational responsibilities in the previous 36 months despite 92.7% undergoing appraisal of clinical work. Educational leads were statistically more likely to have had educational appraisal than educational supervisors (ES), similarly ES were more likely to have had appraisal than clinical supervisors (CS). Clinical specialty does not appear to be a major determining factor. The majority found the supporting documentation helpful in guiding data collection and subsequent recording of evidence. All respondents felt appraisals were conducted in a supportive manner with 76.6% stating appraisal had reassured them they were fulfilling their educational roles and helped 78.5% to identify an education personal development plan.

The incidence of educator appraisal remains low but the experience is considered valuable and contributes effectively to educators' professional development.