Multi-source Feedback (MSF)

Whilst several of the other Work-Based Assessments (WpBAs) will require a trainer to assess the trainee’s attitude to the patient, most of the Attitudes, Ethics & Responsibilities (AER) and Communication (C) learning outcomes will be assessed using MSF. (AER8 is actually achieved by taking part in MSF.) The MSF is performed electronically via the online e-Portfolio. The process for obtaining MSF, which is required on an annual basis (at least), is as follows:

• The trainee identifies 11-15 people who can be approached to give feedback. The recommended combination of assessors, where applicable, should include:

2 consultant clinical supervisors
2 other trainees
1 senior nurse in the operating theatre (if the trainee has been performing surgery)
1 senior nurse in the out-patient department
1 other member of the out-patient staff (nurse/optometrist/orthoptist)
1 medical secretary who has been dealing with the trainee’s work

The remaining contributors can include further consultant supervisors, trainees, allied health professionals (nurses, orthoptists, optometrists), clerical/secretarial/administrative staff and it may sometimes be appropriate to include those with specific roles such as the college tutor, programme director and rota organiser.

• The trainee enters the details of these chosen assessors into the online e-Portfolio.
• The list is approved online by the trainee’s Educational Supervisor.
• The staff on the trainee’s list are contacted by email and asked to complete an online feedback form that will cover the appropriate areas of the curriculum. The trainee will not see individual responses.
• The results of feedback are collated and a report is produced.
• The MSF report is sent to the trainee’s Educational Supervisor who arranges to meet with the trainee to discuss the contents and any action required.

MSFs must be initiated at least 6-8 weeks in advance of the ARCP.  All MSFs will close and generate a report either when all assessors have completed it or a month has elapsed, whichever occurs soonest.  MSFs cannot be closed early, regardless of the ARCP date.  A minimum of 11 responses are required to generate a valid report.

The following LO will be assessed using MSF:

Learning Outcome (LO) (Click here for MSF form)		Typical question	Feedback likely from*
PS21 SS3 HPDP2	Hand hygiene Asepsis X-infection	Follows local guidelines on general cleanliness and avoidance of cross infection	MS, AHP
C1	Rapport	Establishes a trusting clinical relationship with patients	MS, AHP
C2	Listen	Listens effectively to patients	MS, AHP
C3	Deliver	Provides information to patients in an appropriate and sensitive manner	MS, AHP
C5	Consent	Obtains valid consent in an appropriate manner	MS, AHP
C6	Breaking bad news	Communicates potentially upsetting information in an appropriate and sensitive manner	MS, AHP
C7	Language	Makes allowances for difficulties in communication that may affect the patient	MS, AHP
C8	Body language	Uses body language to good effect in communication	MS, AHP, S&C
C10	Professionals	Communicates well with clinical and non-clinical colleagues	MS, AHP, S&C
C11 C12	Written Letters	The doctor writes notes and dictates letters clearly	MS, AHP, S&C
C14	Leave	Complies with local policies for the approval of leave and makes appropriate arrangements for cover	MS, AHP, S&C
AER1	Compassion	Has a compassionate approach to patient care	MS, AHP
AER2	Autonomy	Respects the patient’s wishes when making clinical decisions	MS, AHP
PS1 and AER3	Considerate	Behaves in a considerate and sensitive manner towards all patients	MS, AHP, S&C
AER4	Empathy	Shows appropriate empathy with patients	MS, AHP, S&C
AER5	Confidentiality	Respects the confidential nature of clinical information obtained from patients	MS, AHP, S&C
AER6	Limits	Works within the limits of her/his clinical competence	MS, AHP
AER7	Help	Seeks help and advice from clinical colleagues when appropriate	MS, AHP
AER10	Equality	Treats all patients equally, avoiding discrimination	MS, AHP, S&C
AER12	Legal	Practises according to the GMC’s “Duties of a doctor”	MS
AER16	Prioritise	Prioritises tasks appropriately, ensuring urgent and important matters are dealt with promptly	MS, AHP, S&C
AER16	Stress	Copes well when under stress	MS, AHP, S&C

* Feedback from:

• MS=medical staff
• AHP=allied health professional (nurse, optometrist, orthoptists)
• S&C= secretarial and clerical staff