Introduction

.Appraisals, PDPs, learning and re-validation remain closely linked.

Filling out the PDP template is but a small piece of your on-going continuing professional development

What is the minimum you need to do to satisfy all?
  1. Fill out the Pre-Appraisal forms

(using the NHS Appraisal Toolkit site) or the worksheets in this toolkit

  1. Complete the PDP template
  2. Your learning through the year should be based on
  1. Record and reflect. Keep evidence of your of your learning.
  1. During your appraisal you will have evidence of your learning and have kept appropriate evidence for all sections of your appraisal (The PDP toolkit maintains an itemised summary of your progress)

 It is now necessary for each GP to keep a written record of their own development including details of their working practices, educational needs and experiences, and demonstration of communication skills. We have to show that we have reacted to national guidance on management of conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and mental health. We must demonstrate that we are reviewing our performance, auditing care and making changes accordingly.

Personal learning does NOT mean that we cannot continue to attend educational activities that many of us value. These will still be recognised as being valuable but we will also get recognition for other areas of work that we do that are important. We discover and read about new ideas all the time, adapting our medical practices as the evidence changes.

We spend a lot of time and energy organising our practices, working with the PCO, Clinical Governance etc. - this time can be recognised as part of our continuous learning although we need to get into the habit of recording what we do as we do it

Change

Do not be afraid to change your learning throughout the year. Drop items of your plan that are no longer relevant to you. Use events through the year to identify and act upon new learning needs.

Your initial plan is just that.

Balance

Medium and long term goals. A single project this year may use up all your learning time but think about your long term balance.

 Balance personal/practice/patients/national goals. 

Learning Methods

Use varied methods (not just lectures). Think about working in multidisciplinary teams, reflection, audit etc. be flexible, be innovative! 

Records

Not of everything you have done (that is a record of attendance not learning), rather the new things that you have learned. Keep you records concurrently. DO NOT fill them out at the end of the year!

It is recommended that you use The GP Learning Database section of this toolkit to record your learning

 Reflection & Outcome

What changes have you made? Any improvements to patient care?

 Will you follow up or audit any changes?

What was good or bad about your learning?

What would you do different next year? What help do you need?

Think about any outstanding learning needs; carry them through to next year. Discuss your learning and your PDP at your Appraisal.

The GMC have produced a draft guideline to Continuing Professional Development