Specialist recertification: a survey of Members and Fellows.

The Royal College of Physicians has completed a survey of Members and Fellows to ascertain opinions about the development of specialist standards and the applicability of potential methods/evidence for specialist recertification. Of 985 respondents, 68.6% felt that 11 of the suggested methods would be appropriate for specialist practice and most of these would also be applicable to sub-specialist practice. More than two thirds agreed that it was appropriate to include evidence related to the performance of the clinical team for individual recertification. Respondents expressed concern about the current appraisal process but many felt that it could be effective if it was strengthened and consistently applied.