What is revalidation? In Policy

Overview

‘What is revalidation? In Policy’ was an 18-month (2010-2011) primary research study that aimed to explore policy and decision makers’ views of the origins, definitions, and potential purpose of revalidation. It also addressed how revalidation relates to concerns about assuring and promoting patient safety and quality of care.

What we did

Using in-depth interviews and literature review, this research explored the notion, aims, and proposed processes and consequences of revalidation, as it is understood and applied by the UK policy and decision making community.

Research findings will be used to understand the interaction of varying interests, the ways in which revalidation might influence respective roles, and the issues it may raise for professionalism in general, and the conditions that support or challenge the continuation (or discontinuation) of complex revalidation systems.

Why we did it

If revalidation is to become a meaningful activity, it is vital that a clear consensus is reached on its definition, objectives and processes.

It is also important to explore revalidation attitudes, practices and discourse over time. Without this clarity, it will be difficult to implement revalidation in any systematic way and measure its impact, particularly on quality and safety

How we did it

The research involved discursive and genealogical (for example, placing in historical context) analysis of 31 in-depth interviews with different members of the UK revalidation policy and decision-making community.

The research assessed:

• the wider societal, cultural and political conditions that have led to the alleged need for change
• how and why advocates of revalidation are in favour of a shift in methods of governance at this time
• how this informs our understanding of institutional autonomy, medical culture and professional identity in the current political climate compared with previous eras.

This research was conducted by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry.

For further information please contact:

Darshan Patel, Research and Development Manager