GP revalidation in the UK: what lessons can be learned from the Dutch system?

摘要

What is new regarding revalidation in Britain? Sir Liam Donaldson's long awaited and recently published report Medical Revalidation: Principles and Next Steps has provided some clarity.1 The new regulatory system will be introduced from spring 2009. What are the key principles? Revalidation will consist of two strands: relicensure and recertification. The easiest-to-grasp term seems to be relicensure: all UK doctors will receive a licence to practice medicine that will need to be renewed every 5 years. The main aim is to ensure that they work according to Good Medical Practice.2 It will mainly be a local process and the key assessment tool will be the familiar annual appraisal, albeit in a more standardised format, with elements like a ‘Good Medical Practice Module’ and patient and colleague feedback questionnaires.1,2