Multi-source feedback tool

MSF is a way of getting ratings and feedback from colleagues – both senior and junior, medical and non-medical, on the strengths and weaknesses of the trainee being evaluated. It helps to identify what the trainee does well, and what could be improved.

It is particularly good at identifying attitudinal and behavioural problems that may not be recognised by other methods.

It is a formative assessment, NOT a summative one. It aims to identify problems that need to be addressed, and to reinforce good professional behaviours. It provides a firm, evidential base for any identified problems, rather than relying on gossip from colleagues.

In some countries it is a mandatory part of a regular appraisal process for all doctors, but others have no access to this tool. The ERS MSF platform was designed to give access to MSF to any ERS trainer who feels it would help in the supervision and development of the trainees in their department.

Find out how to use MSF by registering to use it online, and by watching our webinar recording as an introduction. The webinar explains how the tool works, what it is for and how to use it. It also features an example feedback session between a trainer and trainee. Watch our webinar preview down this page, and register here to watch the webinar in full.

Learning outcomes – MSF webinar

After watching the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the usefulness and limitations of MSF
• Interpret the MSF report with insight
• Conduct an effective debrief with the trainee
• Understand how to help the trainee construct a personal development plan

It is important that the trainee selects raters from different areas – a mix of consultants, peers, juniors and non-medical clinical staff. Secretarial and administrative staff should not be used, as they will often struggle to comment on the clinical areas of the rating.

Trainees need to select 15 raters – no more, no less – who are then invited by the platform to provide feedback for the trainee.

As a minimum, you must have completed the ERS online module on giving feedback and watched/attended the webinar on multi-source feedback.

For more information, register here to watch our full webinar and learn more about how to use MSF.