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Written reflection in assessment and appraisal: GP and GP trainee views
Pamela Curtis1, Gordon Taylor1, Ruth Riley1
1a Department for Health , University of Bath , Bath , UK.
Written reflection is seen by many UK general practitioners (GPs) and trainees as a time-consuming burden rather than a learning tool. Most prefer verbal reflection, questioning the value of written formats in GP assessment and retention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Professional Development
- General Practice
Background:
- Written reflection is a mandatory component for general practitioner (GP) licensing and revalidation in the UK.
- Evidence supporting the specific benefits of written reflection over other reflective practices is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and general practice trainees (GPTs) on the utility of written reflection in their learning and assessment processes.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to 1005 GPs and GPTs across the UK.
- The survey included 38 attitudinal items analyzed using descriptive statistics for Likert scale responses and thematic analysis for free-text comments.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (83.8%) of the 544 GPs and 461 GPTs surveyed found verbal reflection with colleagues more beneficial than written reflection.
- Over 70% perceived summative written reflection as a time-consuming, "box-ticking" activity that detracts from learning, questioning its validity in assessment.
- Respondents indicated that the current emphasis on written reflection may exacerbate challenges in GP recruitment and retention.
Conclusions:
- Written reflection is frequently experienced by GPs as a burdensome process that does not enhance learning.
- The continued use of written reflection in GP assessment requires critical re-evaluation.
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