Appraisal system for community child health doctors

An appraisal system for Community Child Health Doctors in Nottingham is described and evaluated. All staff are invited to an annual meeting with their consultant, preparation documents having been filled in by both appraisee and appraiser beforehand. These form the basis of the session, which is predominantly a self-assessment. A written report of the appraisal is produced, with sections on current performance (kept by appraiser and appraise only), training needs, and objectives (copies sent to the academic team and the medical manager). The system was assessed by questionnaires to both appraisers and appraisees. There was general agreement that the system had been adequately explained, and that the preparation documents and the appraisal time were useful. The written report was generally accepted as being a reliable record of the appraisal. Three of the fifteen appraisees were unhappy with the system, feeling it was a negative experience which concentrated on weaknesses. Others made positive comments. It was not always possible to achieve protected time. Some of the reports were delayed. The appraisal system described was found to be acceptable and workable by most people involved. The need for adequate administrative and clerical support was noted.