There has been a flurry of activity around revalidation
since the start of 2010.

In January, the RCGP published its latest guide to
revalidation, which outlined plans to simplify the credit systems. The emphasis
is very much on the ‘impact’ of any learning, rather than collecting
certificates of attendance – demonstrating how learning has impacted on your
practice can double your credits at a stroke.

But, while it is becoming slightly clearer how the credits
system will work, other areas of revalidation are still shrouded in mystery.

One big concern is who will pay for remediation; a number of
GP leaders have warned that this will be the most costly aspect of
revalidation. The RCGP says deaneries and primary care organisations should pay,
but in the current climate of funding cutbacks is that likely?

Money is also a worry on a national scale. In November, GP reported that the looming funding crisis could put
the whole system at risk because of the costs involved.

The RCGP’s medical director of revalidation, Professor Mike
Pringle, seemed to share these concerns in a recent video, saying that in this
‘fluid environment’ nothing is ‘absolutely certain’.

The GMC has now approved various aspects of the RCGP’s plans
for revalidation, but it remains to be seen how the system will actually be
implemented and whether it will be as comprehensive and robust as initially
planned.

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