Do GP trainers use feedback in drawing up their Personal Development Plans (PDPs)? Results from a quantitative study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• General Practice Training

Background:

• General Practice (GP) trainers are crucial for trainee education.
• Personal Development Plans (PDPs) can enhance trainer competencies, especially with feedback integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the extent to which GP trainers utilize feedback within their PDPs.
• To analyze the influence of different feedback sources on PDP goal setting.

Main Methods:

• GP trainers received feedback from trainee ratings, narrative comments, and self-assessments.
• Quantitative analysis assessed the utilization of these feedback sources for PDP goal development.

Main Results:

• 93% of trainers submitted PDPs, with over 75% of goals informed by feedback.
• Feedback use increased when multiple sources converged, especially if narrative comments were included.
• Goals primarily addressed GP-related Expertise and Teaching Skills, with less focus on Personal Functioning.

Conclusions:

• GP trainers predominantly use feedback, prioritizing issues with the most commentary.
• Narrative comments are a vital component for eliciting effective feedback.
• Future research should investigate the qualitative aspects of feedback utilization in PDP goal setting.