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Survey of staff and associate specialist grade doctor appraisal

Report
Health Policy and Economic Research Unit
May 2005

Summary
This report presents the results of a survey of UK staff and associate specialist grade (SAS) doctors on their views and experiences of appraisal.

The vast majority of respondents were aware that they are required to undertake an annual appraisal.

Almost half of respondents had received some form of appraisal training and the majority of those doctors who had received appraisal training felt that it was adequate.

78 per cent of respondents have either had at least one appraisal meeting or have a date arranged for their first appraisal.

A significant proportion of respondents had experienced difficulty in obtaining and collating the supporting information and documentation for their appraisal. This was due to both a lack of understanding of what was needed and a lack of time to prepare.

Only 40 per cent of respondents had a choice of appraiser. Satisfaction with the suitability of appraiser was greatly improved when the doctor was able to chose their appraiser.

39 per cent of respondents were aware of staff grade or associate specialist grade appraisers in their trust yet 48 per cent of respondents stated that they would like the opportunity to become an appraiser.

85 per cent of respondents felt that the appraisal process was a fair and open exercise.

Introduction
This report presents the findings of a national survey of staff and associate specialist grade (SAS) doctors on their views and experiences of appraisal. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of SAS doctors’ experience of appraisal training and completion of the appraisal process, identifying problems and barriers, but also good practice. The results will provide a better understanding of the current situation, identify any issues which need to be addressed in the future and help the BMA’s staff and associate specialist committee in negotiations with the Departments of Health and Employers Organisation. This report provides a summary of the key findings.

Method
In December 2004 a postal questionnaire was mailed to all doctors recorded as staff grade or associate specialist on the BMA database. 7,857 surveys were sent out initially and following subsequent promotion of the survey in BMA News a further 34 SAS doctors who had not previously received the questionnaire requested and were sent a copy. Completed questionnaires were received from 2,235 doctors, a response rate of 28 per cent.