We're not entirely sure that the RCGP has grasped the value of locums in practices, so we've asked them to explain how its Quality Practice Award looks at the contribution. This is their reply:

The QPA process does indeed recognise the service that locums and other temporary members of staff give to practices and their patients.  It is particularly highlighted in criterion 20G.

"20G: Information of practice policies and procedures, and local facilities and services is provided to guide registrars, locums and other temporary staff who work in the practice."

Criterion 16A would also include temporary staff and locums.

"16A: The practice ensures that all staff are competent and that all health professionals are currently registered with the relevant regulatory body on the appropriate part(s) of its register(s)."

QPA also looks at the way a practice deals with any complaints.
 

"18D: The practice conducts an annual review of patient complaints and suggestions to be certain general learning points which are share with the team."

And at how data access is controlled by any users.

"19H: There is a policy to control access to computerised data and prevent unauthorised access."

The national advisor and assessors who visit the practice would look at all these areas and decide if what is presented is satisfactory, bearing in mind the practice's circumstances and use of locums etc.

Also as part of the day long assessment visit the practice premises are inspected including the consulting and treatment rooms to ensure they are ‘up to date’ for use.

We would also encourage the involvement of locums with the actual QPA process if they have a significant contribution to the practice while it is working towards QPA. Locum SEAs would be an ideal example which would benefit both the practice doing the submission and the locum for personal revalidation purposes.

We have a process of reviewing and developing our criteria on an annual basis so that we continue to challenge and stretch practices in all areas of quality. For instance we have discussed 360 degree appraisal for practice teams as a means of delivering colleague feedback and may develop this as a criterion in the future. At the moment we include a criterion on patient feedback and one covering appraisals for employed staff. Your comments on providing locum feedback are therefore very relevant.

Many thanks for your thoughts; it is good to be reminded of the importance of locums in the delivery of quality care and something we will continue to bear in mind as QPA develops.

So as you can see, we're still in the Dark Ages! Several references here to GP locums, but nothing of any substance and most of it vaguely referential and non-specific.

But we're at the very early stages here of lobbying the RCGP on this issue and, as usual, they're very open and welcoming to ideas so our next step is to meet up and formulate a specific scheme that recognises the importance of locums in primary care.

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