Patient perception as a tool for evaluation and feedback in family practice resident training

This study was undertaken to investigate the feasibility and educational value of using patient perception as a form of feedback and evaluation of residents' patient teaching skills. The instrument for assessing patient perception was based on program objectives and was administered to 588 patients over a ten-month period. Individual results were distributed to the respective residents quarterly to enable them to identify strengths and weaknesses of their teaching skills as perceived by their patients. Discussion with a behavioral science faculty member followed. Residents as a whole believed the technique to be of educational benefit and found it helpful to compare their own perceptions of their degree of teaching to that of their patients. Patients reacted favorably to the procedure. The technique provided information to faculty by which they could both assist residents in enhancing their patient teaching skills and provide positive reinforcement for those skills in which residents already excelled.