Title
The relationship between direct observation, knowledge, and feedback: results of a national survey
UMMS Affiliation
Meyers Primary Care Institute
Date
10-14-2011
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Data Collection; Educational Measurement; *Feedback; Internship and Residency; Students, Medical; United States
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Medical Education | Primary Care
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multisource feedback can provide a comprehensive picture of a medical trainee's performance. The utility of a multisource feedback system could be undermined by lack of direct observation and accurate knowledge.
METHOD: The National Board of Medical Examiners conducted a national survey of medical students, interns, residents, chief residents, and fellows to learn the extent to which certain behaviors were observed, to examine beliefs about knowledge of each other's performance, and to assess feedback.
RESULTS: Increased direct observation is associated with the perception of more accurate knowledge, which is associated with increased feedback. Some evaluators provide feedback in the absence of accurate knowledge of a trainee's performance, and others who have accurate knowledge miss opportunities for feedback.
CONCLUSIONS: Direct observation is a key component of an effective multisource feedback system. Medical educators and residency directors may be well advised to establish explicit criteria specifying a minimum number of observations for evaluations.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Acad Med. 2011 Oct;86(10 Suppl):S63-7; quiz S68. Link to article on publisher's site
