Revalidation is the process whereby the nurse or nursing associate renews their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) every 3 years. It involves demonstrating their continued ability to practise safely and effectively. The introduction of revalidation arose from the findings and recommendations of the Francis report (2013) and it replaced the previous requirements for renewal in April 2016.
The requirements for revalidation are prescribed either in the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001, the Education, Registration and Registration Appeals Rules or the standards set by the NMC for revalidation and readmission to the register. The Code (NMC, 2018a) is key to the process of revalidation and is a focus for professional reflection.
Ipsos MORI (2018) has published a second independent evaluation commissioned by the NMC, covering the second year of the new model and looking at interim progress towards outcomes, building on the provisional considerations that were provided to the NMC 12 months previously. The evaluation is generally positive. The NMC's companion data report shows that during 2017-18 there was an average revalidation rate of 94% across the UK, with more than 200 000 nurses and midwives revalidating successfully with little difference in revalidation rates between the professions or between the countries of the UK (NMC, 2018b).
The introduction of revalidation has had no adverse impact on renewal rates, or any difficulties experienced by any particular group of nurses or midwives. Conclusions from the year 2 evaluation report noted positive feedback from those registrants who have recently revalidated. Those revalidating have commented that they had enjoyed the revalidation experience and the ability to take the time to have reflective discussions about their practice. Registrants clearly valued reflective discussion, noting this to be the most beneficial aspect of the revalidation process—sustaining this enthusiasm is key. These key findings are consistent with those of the General Medical Council's (2018) appraisal of revalidation, identifying reflection as significant with regard to behavioural change. Other positive responses included registrants taking more time to consider the Code and having a more in-depth awareness of the process required for verification (one of the tools used by the NMC to gain assurance that nurses and midwives are complying with the revalidation guidance and the declarations made are accurate).
The NMC appears to have got revalidation right along with the support offered to registrants and is responding to the comments received with regard to communications methods and the materials used, for example (Ipsos MORI, 2018). It is important, however, that the NMC remains committed to learning and listening to those registrants who are paying their registration fee.
Feedback suggests that the current model for revalidation is having a positive impact. However, whether it improves care is yet to be determined. The evaluation report on year 3 will be the final one and is due to be published in summer 2019. In this year, the evaluation will also focus on the apparent benefit, burden and any obstacles to revalidation. The NMC (2018b) will be engaging further with key stakeholders on ways in which they might develop revalidation. Meanwhile, the NMC has been making changes to its revalidation guidance, with updated guidance expected in December 2018. Following a period of communication with stakeholders over January to March, the changes are expected to go live in April 2019.