ABSTRACT
This chapter considers how the appraiser should approach different groups of doctors. It reviews alternative models of appraisal that may be required in complex situations. During the appraisal discussion, appraisers need the right skills to facilitate the appraisee in focusing on their own personal activity within the team. They also need to challenge the appraisee to reflect on whether blocks to development are real or perceived. It is the responsibility of the organisation employing the appraiser to ensure that the appraiser has access to training for appraising these groups of doctors. Having reflected on the issues surrounding an appraisal, appraisers must have the courage to decline an appraisee. The poorly performing doctor may have a formal ‘educational prescription’ of learning needs to address, but their behaviour may not change, or any change that does occur may not be maintained, unless they own their development and their personal development plan.
