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In proposals, outlined in the report 'Medical Revalidation - Principles and Next Steps', doctors will, be required to renew their professional registration every five years, in order to provide assurance that they are practising to the standard that patients, the public and the profession itself expect. It will also play a part in putting quality at the heart of NHS care - a key element of the proposals outlined in Lord Darzi's report 'High Quality Care for All'.

Patients will play an important role in this process. They will be asked for views on their doctor, including :

• effective communication, including listening, informing and explaining;
• involving patients in treatment decisions;
• care co-ordination and support for self-care; and
• showing respect for patients and treating them with dignity.

Speaking on publication of the report, CMO Sir Liam Donaldson said: "I'm confident that this process, agreed with doctors' representatives will help raise standards of medical practice and improve the quality of the patient experience. The involvement of patients and public in the process will help define what counts as good healthcare and in the rare cases where doctors are falling short, provide them, where possible, with the support needed to renew their registration."

The revalidation and recertification process will be introduced in stages from the spring following a series of pilots scheduled to begin at the start of the year.

Further information

The report can be found on the Department of Health website.

• Medical revalidation - principles and next steps Opens new window
• 12-month review into NHS sets out future