Revalidation is the process by which doctors demonstrate that they are up to date and fit to practise. Case-based discussion has been identified by both psychiatrists and service users and carers as a potentially useful tool for revalidation. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of case-based discussion for assessments to use in revalidation. A pilot using case-based discussion as an assessment/developmental technique for revalidation was undertaken in six trusts involving 86 consultant psychiatrists.

The average time taken for each case-based discussion including preparation and reflection was 48 min. All but one of the doctors involved in the case-based discussion pilot described the process as useful or very useful in improving clinical practice. In total 87% of the assessed doctors and all of the assessors reported that they considered case-based discussion to be a useful part of the revalidation process assessed. The majority of doctors assessed believed that cases should be chosen at random (91%).

Case-based discussions have the potential to be a useful quality improvement tool for revalidation.