Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) Pilot Project

As part of the preparatory work in developing professional competence schemes, the Council is piloting a multi-source feedback study (360°) involving hospital-based consultants.

This is the second such pilot study; the first pilot study completed in 2008 involved general practitioners only and used a provider based in Canada.

Arising out of recommendations from the first pilot study, the Medical Council is keen to review the process in a different population and environment using a different provider based in Europe (the UK). The Medical Council is working with a UK provider, 360° Clinical Ltd, in carrying out this pilot study. 360° Clinical Ltd will facilitate the online multi-source feedback system and will prepare detailed reports for all volunteers based on the completed questionnaires received from the volunteers, their colleagues and their patients.

The purpose of the two pilot studies is to facilitate a decision on the use of multi-source feedback as one of the components of professional competence schemes.

Similar to the initial pilot project it was decided to recruit up to 300 hospital-based Consultants.  Targeting over 2200 Consultants, a request for volunteers was initiated in September. As an incentive, 10 CME/CPD points will be awarded to each volunteer.

As soon as the minimum cohort of 200 is achieved, 360° Clinical Ltd will be furnished with the volunteers contact details and the project will be launched. The process will entail completion of a short online self-assessment questionnaire by volunteers, together with the completion of assessment questionnaires by nominated peers and patients. Each volunteer will be given 12 weeks to complete the process, therefore it is envisioned that this pilot project should be completed by early 2010.

At the time of publication 118 Consultants have volunteered from a variety of Specialties and locations around the Country. Interestingly, so far there is a female to male ratio of approx 1:4. However, this may well change when the final numbers are recruited.