[Feedback Guide for direct observation of family medicine residents in Canada: a francophone tool]

There is no CanMEDS-FM-based milestone tool to guide feedback during direct observation (DO). We have developed a guide to support documentation of feedback for direct observation (DO) in Canadian family medicine (FM) programs.

The Guide was designed in three phases with the collaboration of five Canadian FM programs with at least a French-speaking teaching site: 1) literature review and needs assessment; 2) development of the DO Feedback Guide; 3) testing the Guide in a video simulation context with qualitative content analysis.

Phase 1 demonstrated the need for a narrative guide aimed at 1) specifying mutual expectations according to the resident's level of training and the clinical context, 2) providing the supervisor with tools and structure in his observations 3) to facilitate documentation of feedback. Phase 2 made it possible to develop the Guide, in paper and electronic formats, meeting the needs identified. In phase 3, 15 supervisors used the guide for three levels of residence. The Guide was adjusted following this testing to recall the phases of the clinical encounter that were often forgotten during feedback (before consultation, diagnosis and follow-up), and to suggest types of formulation to be favored (stimulating questions, questions of clarification, reflections).

Based on evidence and a collaborative approach, this Guide will equip French-speaking Canadian supervisors and residents performing DO in family medicine.