Consultant appraisal of consultant appraisal

AIMS AND METHOD A postal survey was conducted to gauge opinion of consultant psychiatrists in the west of Scotland with regard to consultant appraisal. RESULTS We received 158 responses to our survey (a response rate of 77%). The results showed mixed feelings about appraisal - for example, its purpose was felt to be about the development of consultants (72%) rather than the protection of patients (53%). Practical problems were highlighted, like the provision of accurate data and the amount of time spent on the preparation for appraisal. Participation in 360-degree appraisal was scant, and no consensus on the use of outcome measures was reached. IMPLICATIONS More work needs to be done on the appraisal process for it to gain the full confidence of the profession.