The multi-method research, conducted by the University of Plymouth, was commissioned by the GDC to examine itsfitness to practise data and processes.  

Researchers analysed case file data recorded over a five-year period (involving around 2% of our registrant population), talked to those who work in fitness to practise, both at the GDC and at other healthcare professional regulators, and other key stakeholders. The findings include the results of a review of published evidence on how fitness to practise data is analysed and used to support learning for regulators and stakeholders.  

Researchers were able to extract broad themes and considerations from the fitness to practise data, and have identified characteristics of dental professionals that are overrepresented data when compared to the registrant population. The findings point to the complexity of cause and effect, as found elsewhere in healthcare professional regulation. 

The GDC states that is using the findings to support improved case progression and performance, which has included the development of performance measures and the initial inquiries pilot. The regulator adds that it has more to do before data analysis can be used to infer meaningful learning for sharing with stakeholders and to inform prevention.  

“We need to undertake a data maturity assessment to inform improvement priorities and opportunities, including how we might effectively record data to support understanding of considerations, contextual and human factors, and mitigation,” a GDC statement notes.

 

View the full research report here.