Software and Services

Whilst the criteria for revalidation are still being finalised, it is clear that handling
the revalidation process successfully will rely on two key factors: managing the mountain of relevant paperwork, and implementing a robust and transparent appraisal process.

 

Zircadian’s new e-Appraisal system has been designed with these two important
considerations in mind. e-Appraisal delivers a ‘paper-light’ workflow process to help trusts manage and monitor the progress of appraisal and revalidation effectively. The e-Appraisal system is delivered in a secure IT environment, and is built flexibly so can be adapted to new requirements as details of the revalidation process become clearer.

 

How the paper-light e-Appraisal system works

 

Zircadian’s e-Appraisal system is unique in that it provides trusts with a paper-light appraisal and revalidation system.

 

The user-friendly e-Appraisal software is underpinned by one of the world’s most sophisticated electronic document management systems, Image Now, which has been co‑developed by Lexmark and Perceptive Software.

 

This means that one of the major benefits of e-Appraisal is its ability to capture content from any device and from any location.

 

Documentation that must be stored for revalidation purposes can be input via fax, email or by scanner.To input a document by fax or scanner, a user simply includes a barcoded coversheet. When the document and coversheet are faxed or scanned together, the e-Appraisal system uses the barcode to automatically store and organize an electronic version of the document in the relevant section of the electronic portfolio.

During the appraisal workflow process users will be sent e-mail reminders for submission of necessary documentation. By simply attaching the requested
document in reply to an e-mail reminder, that document will be automatically stored in the correct e-Appraisal folder.

By storing information in e-Appraisal, the need to keep hard-copy documents in accessible storage locations is largely eradicated. The time and effort it takes to
retrieve information is also vastly reduced, as users with the necessary security permissions can access the e-portfolio at the click of a mouse, rather than searching manually through a physical filing system.

 

Simple, robust appraisal workflows

 

Zircadian has vast experience in designing intuitive workflow processes for complex administrative tasks such as job planning and leave approval. The e-Appraisal system includes a simple appraisal workflow that alerts
both appraisers and appraisees when the appraisal is due, lets them know what documentation is needed,and enables electronic sign-off of the key appraisal
summary documentation. Management reports can be produced for the board showing the progress of appraisal and revalidation throughout the trust.

Zircadian’s Consultant Portal – an integrated approach

 

e-Appraisal is one of a range of software solutions that can be accessed via Zircadian’s Consultant
Portal. The Portal is an online gateway to a suite of solutions for appraisal and revalidation, job planning, leave management and activity rostering. By integrating with Zircadian’s e-JobPlan software, e-Appraisal makes it easy to handle the necessary requirement of incorporating doctors’ job plans into the appraisal and revalidation process.

 

Benefits

• Paper-light system provides easy electronic storage, organisation and retrieval of doctors’ documentation;
  

• Links to Zircadian’s 360 appraisal system;

• Powerful reporting to monitor the progress of appraisal and revalidation;

• First class support with Zircadian experts available via telephone and e-mail;

• Software continually updated as new revalidation requirements are finalised.

Features

• Online access via Zircadian’s Consultant Portal;
  

• Secure encrypted data;

• Paper-light management of documentation;

• Ability to mark stored documents as private;

• Easy import and export of documents using e-mail, fax and scanning;

• Functionality for administrators, doctors, appraisers, and responsible officers;

• e-Portfolio structured in accordance with GMC recommendations;
  

• Functionality to manage appraisers’ qualifications, and rules to help assign appraisers to appraisees;

• Workflow process for appraisal, including automatic reminders for key stages in the appraisal process;

• Dual electronic sign-off process between appraiser and appraisee, for agreed sign-off of key appraisal summaries;

• Responsible officer access to information and summary reports;

• Access to relevant information from job planning, leave and rostering modules.

 

For further information on e-Appraisal contact the Zircadian sales team on 020 8946 8199 or email info@zircadian.com