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Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)

Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)


For your multisource feedback you could invite participation from a selection of up to five practices you have visited recently.

For your multisource feedback you could invite participation from a selection of up to five practices you have visited recently.

The free MSF tool that NES is providing for all doctors in Scotland is recommended. This is a fully automated on-line feedback tool which minimises the work that you need to do.

The GMC has also produced a free MSF tool, but there is no free supporting infrastructure to support its use. It is on http://www.gmc-uk.org/colleague_questionnaire.pdf_48212261.pdf

You should discuss the option of alternatives with your appraiser before using them. There are quite a number available, but very few have so far been validated or recommended for use by the GMC for Revalidation.

For each practice you invite you should include:

  • a letter inviting them to participate sent to the senior/administrative partner or practice manager stating clearly that you need MSF for appraisal and Revalidation
  • an explicit statement that the prospective participants need to give you their names if they accept your invitation so that you can pass these on to the person administering the MSF
  • a clear statement that their feedback will be anonymous unless they choose otherwise
  • point out that any specific comments would be helpful so that you can learn from them

We think it is important to advise you that receiving feedback is best done with the help of a trained facilitator - in this case, your appraiser. Not all feedback may be positive and we need to be able to evaluate what it means without emotional overlay.

Unfortunately when there is negative feedback people often feel aggrieved and then act inappropriately, because the information has not been reflected on in context. Doctors often ignore the 9 very positive responses and focus on the one that is not.

But is there evidence that the feedback is true? How do other doctors score on this item? Is the adverse feedback a feature of not being well known to the person giving it?

Sessional GPs often score less well because they are less well known to a practice and may have been employed when the practice was experiencing difficulties such as low staffing levels. If you plan to try a 360° survey we strongly advise discussing this with your appraiser in advance.

Related Documents

Teamwork Reflection Tool for Sessional GPs

Date updated: 27/04/2021

Size: 75264 - KB

Type: doc



This page was last updated on: 11/05/2021