Behavioural assessments for doctors in difficulty

Whilst most doctors in the NHS are highly committed and work very effectively, a minority can give cause for concern.

At the root of many of these concerns are issues relating to behaviour. If concerns are tackled early they can often be prevented from escalating into more intractable problems. If such problems are left unaddressed, the impact on the individual doctor as well as others in the team and the organisation can be significant. At worst, patient care can be put at risk. Taking a supportive and developmental approach towards the doctor is generally preferable to the disciplinary route. This is where Edgecumbe can help.

The service we offer

We provide a highly specialist occupational psychology assessment designed for doctors whose performance has caused concern. The service includes the following:

• Initial confidential telephone consultation and/or meeting with the referrer (no-obligation)
• Agreement of Terms of Reference, and drawing up of relevant documentation to engage the doctor
• Psychometric testing
• Diagnostic interview and feedback with an Edgecumbe psychologist
• A full written assessment report for the doctor and the referrer, with practical recommendation for addressing the concerns
• Post-assessment advice and guidance as necessary.

This approach has been successfully adopted for Senior Consultants, GPs and doctors in training (from Foundation year upwards).

What kind of difficulties will we deal with?

A wide range of behavioural issues including (but not confined to) problems with:

• working relationships
• communication with patients
• leadership
• teamworking
• coping with stress and pressure at work
• time management
• resistance to change or protocols
• decision making.

As occupational psychologists, our primary focus is the doctor in the workplace, and the occupational issues that impact on performance at work including personality, values, work context, organisational culture.

Where clinical issues such as chronic stress, anxiety and depression, or cognitive difficulties may be apparent or suspected from the findings of the occupational psychology assessment, we may suggest referral to a suitably qualified specialist.

Who uses this service?

• HR Directors
• Medical Directors
• Clinical Directors and Lead Clinicians
• Directorate Managers
• Postgraduate Deans or Associate Deans
• Training Programme Directors
• Clinical Tutors
• Directors of Medical Education

What are the benefits?

• A nationally validated approach
• Highly qualified professionals with specialist expertise in behavioural difficulties in doctors
• A conscientious and confidential service from our consultants and support team
• Timely and high-quality assessment reports
• Clear, practical recommendations that addressthe concerns
• Facilitation of further discussions between the doctor and referring organisation
• Where required, behavioural coaching can be provided following the assessment

Our team has unrivalled experience amounting to over 20 years of working with doctors. Since 2002, we have been conducting behavioural assessments for doctors referred to the National Clinical Assessment Service (the first port of call for any serious concerns about a doctor).

We understand doctors and the context in which they work, and the particular pressures that this can bring to them and their colleagues. This gives us significant credibility with the doctors themselves, in turn making it easier to engage and work with them to reach a solution that can work for all parties. As this work is highly specialised, we only involve Chartered Psychologists with specific experience of assessing doctors in the NHS.