Comprehensive Guide to
Multi-Source Feedback

How to Implement
Multi-Source Feedback

Introducing MSF and applying the MSF tool requires organisational commitment and resourcing. Developing a robust implementation plan with a feasible timeline supported by an effective engagement and communication plan is essential for success.13,54 The process requires both clinical and non-clinical leadership for making decisions about implementing the program, maintaining it, and evaluating and monitoring it.

What to consider when introducing MSF

Create organisational readiness

MSF systems are deeply established in industry, with 360-degree type feedback routinely used a workplace assessment tool to:

  • develop insights into individual strengths and opportunities for improvement
  • enhance cultural change
  • produce summative assessment of performance
  • evaluate potential (e.g.g careers advice or selection)
  • enhance team effectiveness
  • identify training needs for the organisation.

Original work on the development of MSF tools for physicians was undertaken in the United States4,5 and later developed over several years by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta’s (CPSA) Physician Achievement Review (PAR) program6, and the Medical College of Canada.7,8

Establish organisation and program support

MSF is increasingly adopted within continuing professional development and regulatory frameworks worldwide as a method to assess medical performance and quality-assure clinical practice.9 The validity evidence for MSF used within medicine is well established, and MSF is now used in health systems across Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with interest growing in other countries.

Securing CPD recognition

 

Establish the MSF program team

 

Results

How will they be used

 

Who will have access to them

 

Identify candidates and reviewers, and schedule engagement

Frequency of MSF

Facilitated feedback process, coaching, action planning and review

Preparing facilitators and coaches

System learning and quality improvement

 

Section 2: The Four Stages of Multi-Source Feedback

  1. Stage 1 – Objective and meaningful data collection
  2. Stage 2 – Analysis and reporting
  3. Stage 3 – Debrief and self-reflection
  4. Stage 4 – Action planning and CPD allocation

Section 3: How to Implement Multi-Source Feedback

Introducing MSF and applying the MSF tool requires organisational commitment and resourcing. Developing a robust implementation plan with a feasible timeline supported by an effective engagement and communication plan is essential for success.

Chapter 3 clearly outlines the key considerations when introducing an MSF program and provides suggestions for implementation strategies.

Section 4: Multi-Source Feedback Evidence Base

While the content of an MSF tool may appear to be relatively simple, there is a substantial amount of research, time, money and effort invested in producing these ‘fit-for-purpose’ tools. A wide range of research has been conducted on the use of MSF in various clinical settings that support the effectiveness and impact MSF has on quality improvement processes.

Section 5: Enablers and Success Factors of MSF

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Section 6: Limitations of Multi-Source Feedback

Chapter 1 summaries Multi-source feedback covering:

Appendices

Appendix A: Glossary

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