The RCGP is piloting a secure ePortfolio for GPs to use for revalidation.
The Revalidation ePortfolio is the first of its kind to be based on the areas of revalidation set out in the RCGP Guide to Revalidation for General Practitioners. The ePortfolio is designed to encourage reflection and is centred on a learning activity log with a simple data entry system. The system categorises information in the learning log in a way that allows users to view a pictorial representation of their progress towards revalidation before annual appraisals and also before the five-yearly revalidation submission. The Revalidation ePortfolio links to the College's new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit scheme. In response to feedback, the College has recently simplified the learning credits. The RCGP credit system is not purely based on time spent, but also reflects the impact of learning. The ePortfolio contains a guide to the system and provides a means to record and claim the credits earned. The system will be free to College members and will link with the trainee ePortfolio; members' personal data held by the College will be automatically entered in to the Revalidation ePortfolio. The ePortfolio will also allow direct links to the College's other e-learning products such as Essential Knowledge Updates, which will auto-complete relevant entries into the Revalidation ePortfolio. It is hoped that the tool will be available this year. Although the Revalidation ePortfolio will be free to RCGP members as part of their overall membership package, non-members will be able to purchase the product as a stand-alone item. RCGP Chairman, Professor Steve Field, said: 'This will be the definitive tool for GPs to use to support them in meeting the requirements of revalidation. It is being designed specifically for GPs and their many and varied roles - frontline GPs are trialling the Revalidation ePortfolio so that we can be sure it meets the needs of all GPs, regardless of their individual working circumstances.' |
