Evaluating the evaluations of psychiatry residents

This survey assessed the perceptions of psychiatry residents and faculty about resident evaluations. Current residents, former residents, and faculty of a psychiatry residency program were asked about the value and effect of feedback in 15 specific areas and rated their preferences for evaluation methods. Residents and faculty most valued feedback that addressed practical clinical skills. Evaluations reportedly improved skills in half of the areas surveyed. Most respondents preferred face-to-face evaluations from individual faculty. This study confirms the value of resident evaluations addressing clinical skills, but it highlights discrepancies in expectations and merits of several methods of evaluation.