ABSTRACT
The engagement in effective, continuing professional development (CPD), which must be one of the hallmarks of the new general practitioner (GP), requires above all a commitment to lifelong learning and to thoughtful reflective clinical practice. This chapter describes some of the mechanisms that can be used both by individual GP and by primary care teams to fulfil the requirements of CPD. These mechanisms include the following: appraisal, assessment, mentoring, supervision, and personal development planning. The chapter discusses assessment of clinical competence in terms of its relationship to appraisal, and the implications of this for GP in the future. Appraisal, which has long been valued as a powerful motivator in industry and education, is being advocated for all doctors on an annual basis. Appraisal and assessment are processes that have much in common, but which are often used for different reasons. Experience of the use of appraisal in industry and education can usefully inform its widespread introduction to the health service.
