Multisource feedback in residency training: A quantitative study to investigate the feedback conversation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professional Development
• Assessment in Training

Background:

• Multisource Feedback (MSF) is an assessment method in medical training.
• It provides individualized feedback for developing learning goals through supervisor-resident conversations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how residents and supervisors set learning goals.
• To understand the nature and scope of these learning goals.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 65 sets of Multisource Feedback (MSF) data, including ratings and comments.
• Review of feedback conversations and resulting learning goals.
• Use of multiple linear regressions to link feedback data to learning goals.

Main Results:

• Topics with high ratings and positive comments were discussed as strengths.
• Topics with negative comments were discussed as areas for improvement.
• Learning goals frequently extended beyond the MSF questionnaire, relating to Professional Identity Formation.

Conclusions:

• MSF feedback and learning goals encompass broader developmental topics than initially expected.
• Supervisors and residents should integrate Professional Identity Formation topics into feedback.
• MSF can effectively support residents' professional identity development.