Abstract
BackgroundMultisource feedback (MSF) is currently being introduced in the UK as part of a cycle of performance review for doctors. However, although it is suggested that the provision of feedback can lead to a positive change in performance and learning for medical professionals, the evidence supporting these assumptions is unclear. The aim of this review, therefore, was to identify the key factors that influence the effectiveness of multisource feedback in improving the professional practice of medical doctors.MethodRelevant electronic bibliographic databases were searched for studies that aimed to assess the impact of MSF on professional practice. Two reviewers independently selected and quality assessed the studies and abstracted data regarding study design, setting, MSF instrument, behaviour changes identified and influencing factors using a standard data extraction form.ResultsA total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria and quality assessment criteria. While seven studies reported only a general change in professional practice, a further seven studies identified specific changes in behaviour. The main professional behaviours that were found to be influenced by the feedback were communication, both with colleagues and patients and an improvement in clinical competence/skills. The main factors found to influence the acceptance and use of MSF were the format of the feedback, specifically in terms of whether it was facilitated, or if narrative comments were included in the review, and if the feedback was from sources that the physician believed to be knowledgeable and credible.ConclusionsWhile there is limited evidence suggesting that MSF can influence professional performance, the quality of this evidence is variable. Further research is necessary to establish how this type of feedback actually influences behaviours and what factors have greatest influence.
Highlights
Multisource feedback (MSF) is currently being introduced in the UK as part of a cycle of performance review for doctors
The main factors found to influence the acceptance and use of MSF were the format of the feedback, in terms of whether it was facilitated, or if narrative comments were included in the review, and if the feedback was from sources that the physician believed to be knowledgeable and credible
While there is limited evidence suggesting that MSF can influence professional performance, the quality of this evidence is variable
Summary
Multisource feedback (MSF) is currently being introduced in the UK as part of a cycle of performance review for doctors. The aim of this review, was to identify the key factors that influence the effectiveness of multisource feedback in improving the professional practice of medical doctors. The assessment of professional performance is one way to demonstrate fitness to practise medicine and provide evidence of accountability. In terms of costs and time considerations, feedback from colleagues ( known as multisource feedback) was deemed to be the most appropriate and practical method. Multisource feedback (MSF) is being introduced by the UK medical regulator, the General Medical Council (GMC), [11] as part of a cycle of performance review for all medical doctors. The GMC asserts that this feedback needs to be from more than a single source (e.g. self, medical colleagues and non-medical co-workers) and cover the whole of the individual’s professional practice [11]
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