Medical Appraisers Training and Recruitment
Appraiser training courses in 2022/2023
This year the Medical Appraisal team delivered a complete programme of New Appraiser and Refresher Training courses remotely, with three of the New Appraiser courses delivered in-person in NES offices. The feedback has shown that these courses were successful and positive overall. The number of Refresher courses scheduled exceeded expectations and an additional eight courses were added due to demand. Furthermore, the Medical Appraisal team introduced five Coaching/Mentoring Webinars to support existing appraisers that ran throughout 2022/2023 with the incentive for participants to explore the application of coaching skills within an appraisal setting.
New Medical Appraiser Training
The current New Appraiser Training courses are delivered by the team over two half-days, with a maximum of 8 participants and a minimum of 5 per course. All course participants are required to complete coursework, which includes seven online modules as a compulsory requirement. You can access these modules and pre-course materials from the Medical Appraisal Scotland website.
The Medical Appraisal team ran 14 New Appraiser courses from April to November 2022. A further 7 New Appraiser courses were delivered in January to March 2023, 3 of which were In-Person courses. All New Appraiser courses throughout the year were a success and the feedback was positive.
| Course | Course Capacity | Attendance | Unfilled Slots | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Care | Secondary Care | Total | DNAs | |||
| N89A - 19 & 26 Apr 2022 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| N89P - 19 & 26 Apr 2022 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| N90A - 4 & 11 May 2022 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N90P - 4 & 11 May 2022 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| N91A - 24 & 31 May 2022 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N91P - 24 & 31 May 2022 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| N92A - 24 & 31 Aug 2022 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| N92P - 24 & 31 Aug 2022 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| N93A - 5 & 12 Oct 2022 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N93P - 5 & 12 Oct 2022 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| N94A - 2 & 9 Nov 2022 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| N94P - 2 & 9 Nov 2022 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| N95A - 16 & 23 Nov 2022 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| N95P - 16 & 23 Nov 2022 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N96A - 24 & 31 Jan 2023 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| N96P - 24 & 31 Jan 2023 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| N97A - 21 & 28 Feb 2023 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N97P - 21 & 28 Feb 2023 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N98 - 8 March 2023 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| N99 - 15 March 2023 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| N100 - 21 March 2023 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 168 | 36 | 111 | 147 | 5 | 21 |
147 participants attended the 21 New Appraiser training courses held, with 145 recommended by the tutor panels as ready to take up the role of medical appraiser. There were 5 participants who either did not attend on the day or opted out after partially attending their course. Overall, 21 out of 168 spaces were not taken up.
Throughout the year, we asked all our participants for feedback following each course. Out of the 147 participants, 109 provided their feedback (74.1%). When asked to rate their level of overall satisfaction with the training 59 replied “extremely satisfied” (54%) and 49 replied “very satisfied” (45%).
I feel more confident that I can make the process a positive and rewarding experience and also I am aware of the steps to take if problems occur.
All tutors were exceptionally helpful and gave constructive and detailed feedback
Remote training worked incredibly well. Just as well as face to face training.
Well organised, well delivered by obviously experienced tutors from both primary and secondary care backgrounds.
I really enjoyed the face to face element - having not been to any face to face events in over 4 years, this was great!
Refresher Medical Appraiser Training
The Refresher Appraiser Training courses were reviewed throughout 2021/2022 and the new structure was introduced in April 2022. The Medical Appraisal team ran 27 Refresher Appraiser courses throughout 2022/2023, with only one cancellation over the course of the year.
Similar to the New Appraiser Training courses, participants on the Refresher courses are required to complete online pre-coursework, which includes a PowerPoint module and review of videos in advance of attendance. The session is run over a half-day; a total of three and a half hours and participants can choose between a morning or an afternoon course. Similar to the New Appraiser course, the Refresher course began with a maximum of 8 participants, but soon increased to 10 following feedback.
Furthermore, self-directed modules are now accessible for appraisers to work through in their own time. Throughout 2022/2023 webinars have been introduced as an addition to the training programme.
All information on the Refresher Appraiser programme of activities can be found on our website.
| Course | Course Capacity | Attendance | Unfilled Slots | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Care | Secondary Care | Total | DNAs | |||
| RA00P - 5 April 2022 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| RA01A - 7 June 2022 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| RA01P - 7 June 2022 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| RA02A - 15 June 2022 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| RA02P - 15 June 2022 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| RA03A - 23 June 2022 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| RA03P - 23 June 2022 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| RA04A - 7 Sept 2022 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| RA04P - 7 Sept 2022 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| RA10A - 14 Oct 2022 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| RA10P - 14 Oct 2022 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| RA05A - 27 Oct 2022 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| RA05P - 27 Oct 2022 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| RA06A - 29 Nov 2022 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| RA06P - 29 Nov 2022 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 3 |
| RA07A - 6 Dec 2022 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| RA07P - 6 Dec 2022 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| RA11A - 7 Dec 2022 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| RA11P - 7 Dec 2022 | 10 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| RA08A - 7 Feb 2023 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 3 |
| RA08P - 7 Feb 2023 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| RA12A - 9 Feb 2023 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| RA12A - 9 Feb 2023 [CANCELLED] | 10 | - | - | - | - | 10 |
| RA13A - 10 Mar 2023 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| RA13P - 10 Mar 2023 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| RA09A - 28 Mar 2023 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| RA09P - 28 Mar 2023 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 260 | 50 | 166 | 214 | 12 | 46 |
214 participants attended the 26 Refresher training courses held (1 cancelled due to undersubscription). There were 12 participants who did not attend on the day. Overall, 46 out of 260 spaces (including the cancelled course) were not taken up.
Feedback was also invited from Refresher training course participants. Out of the 214 participants, 184 provided their feedback (86%). When asked to rate their level of overall satisfaction with the training 70 replied “extremely satisfied” (38%) and 103 replied “very satisfied” (56%).
I found that the pre course material was perfect and encouraged self-reflection regarding my own techniques.
All the tutors were excellent. The preparation and course planning was outstanding. The whole course was enjoyable and helped me as an appraiser and will help me going forward to handle any challenging appraisal situations.
Great networking, really good chats, great to do once experienced Appraiser with experiences to discuss. Good resources shared.
“Improving Appraisal Conversation” workshops
As part of the Refresher programme of activities, a series of workshops were organised by the team entitled “Improving Appraisal Conversations”, looking at the use of coaching and mentoring skills in an appraisal setting.
Delivered by our external partners (Academy of Executive Coaching), the team organised five one-day introductory sessions exploring the use of coaching skills in an appraisal setting. Appraisers were introduced to the GROW model and were offered an opportunity to practice its applications in a safe and protected setting.
Developed Dr Barbara Chandler (NHS Highland Secondary Care Appraisal Lead) and NES, four half-day taster sessions were delivered in the latter half 2022/2023 focussing on the Egan Skilled Helper model used in mentoring. Similar to the coaching sessions, the purpose of this workshop is to offer experienced appraisers the opportunity to practice mentoring skills in small, facilitated groups based on the Egan Skilled Helper model.
The GROW model sessions had a max capacity of 12 participants, and the Egan Skilled Helper sessions had 9. Overall, 54 appraisers attended the five coaching workshops; and 35 appraisers attended the four Egan Skilled Helper sessions.
The size of the group worked well, it was a very interactive day. Enjoyed the opportunities to talk in pairs/small groups and to practice the coaching skills.
I think that it was a useful day overall and I will re-think how I will structure further appraisal interviews. I now have a scheme to use to try to take the appraisal interview beyond just being a review of evidence taken at face value and going to a deeper level.
I have been reminded of the immense power of offering a listening ear to colleagues and the power of being listened to.
I really valued learning about GROW which I had thought was a linear model but learning about how to use it and move between elements to allow the individual to explore their issue in greater depth was really exciting
I think the format was very good. It was informal, relaxed and interactive. Everyone feels uncomfortable about role-play but it is probably the most valuable thing...'tell, show, do' always has a greater impact on the learner no matter how awkward they might feel.
The direct "teaching” and initial discussions were excellent and very well facilitated - and I felt I learned a lot… Remote session worked well overall. I liked that there was someone there to make sure things were running smoothly all the time
Following positive user feedback from participating appraisers, further sessions on the use of both models has been scheduled for 2023/2024. Please visit our website for more information.
Tutors/Facilitators recruitment
In February 2023, the Medical Appraisal team recruited 6 appraisers to our cohort of course tutors and facilitators, increasing the faculty to 50.
This has allowed for a fairer spread of allocation amongst the cohort so that we are not over reliant on any one individual's availability.
Training Course Participants attendance across Health Boards
Below is a breakdown of the training course participants, by their appraising health boards, on our training events.
New Appraisers:
| Health Board | New Appraisers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Care | Secondary Care | Total | |
| Argyll & Bute | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Ayrshire & Arran | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| Borders | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Dumfries & Galloway | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Fife | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Forth Valley | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Greater Glasgow & Clyde | 5 | 32 | 37 |
| Grampian | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Highland | 2 | 10 | 12 |
| Lanarkshire | 4 | 9 | 13 |
| Lothian | 9 | 31 | 40 |
| Mental Welfare Commission | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| National Waiting Times Centre | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Tayside | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| The State Hospital | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 36 | 109 | 145 |
Refreshers:
| Health Board | Refreshers | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Care | Secondary Care | Total | |
| Argyll & Bute | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Ayrshire & Arran | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Borders | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Dumfries & Galloway | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Fife | 1 | 11 | 12 |
| Forth Valley | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Greater Glasgow & Clyde | 5 | 35 | 40 |
| Grampian | 8 | 14 | 22 |
| Highland | 2 | 12 | 14 |
| Lanarkshire | 3 | 10 | 13 |
| Lothian | 13 | 44 | 57 |
| National Waiting Times Centre | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| NHS Education for Scotland | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| National Services Scotland | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Orkney | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Public Health Scotland | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Shetland | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tayside | 6 | 13 | 19 |
| Western Isles | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 49 | 165 | 214 |
Becoming an Appraiser
The need for medical appraisal – a safe and protected environment for colleagues to discuss and reflect on their work and wellbeing – will play a vital role to support the workforce recovery post pandemic.
If you are interested in becoming an appraiser, you can find further details via the Medical Appraisal Scotland website:
http://www.appraisal.nes.scot.nhs.uk
Training course details available under the “Appraiser Training” link in the menu.
Please discuss further with your local Appraisal Lead as the first port of call. Appraisal management processes (and vacancies) vary across the health boards in Scotland and it is important that you understand the requirements of your health board, and that they can guide and support you in the appraiser role.
Stacey Lucas, Hannah Asrih & Mandie Thrippleton
Administrative Officers (Medical Appraisal)
Eilidh Henderson
Senior Officer (Medical Appraisal)
