Fifty doctors have been using drama-based training to improve their appraisal skills.
Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust (PCT), in south London, introduced the Steps Drama programme to give the GPs feedback on their performance and help them identify development needs.
“Some GPs see appraisals as a tick-box exercise or an intrusive chore necessary for revalidation,” said Dr Chris Arulrajah, associate clinical director for primary care at Sutton and Merton PCT.
“We wanted to address these concerns and supplement our standard training with something more interesting and dynamic.”
The three-hour workshops highlighted the values and benefits of the appraisal process.
The actors used role-plays to explain how to raise and discuss difficult issues and the behaviour and approach required.
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PCTs have been required to carry out annual appraisals since 2002.
Sutton and Merton PCT will run two further workshops in February and March.
