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Reflection: a link between receiving and using assessment feedback

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Abstract

Problem statement and background Feedback is essential to learning and practice improvement, yet challenging both to provide and receive. The purpose of this paper was to explore reflective processes which physicians described as they considered their assessment feedback and the perceived utility of that reflective process. Methods This is a qualitative study using principles of grounded theory. We conducted interviews with 28 family physicians participating in a multi-source feedback program and receiving scores across the spectrum from high to low. Results Feedback, especially negative feedback, evoked reflective responses. Reflection seemed to be the process through which feedback was or was not assimilated and appeared integral to decisions to accept and use the feedback. Facilitated reflection upon feedback was viewed as a positive influence for assimilation and acceptance. Conclusions Receiving feedback inconsistent with self-perceptions stimulated physicians’ reflective processes. The process of reflection appeared instrumental to feedback acceptance and use, suggesting that reflection may be an important educational focus in the formative assessment and feedback process.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support of the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, the Medical Council of Canada and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia for this research, and the assistance of our research associate, Tanya Hill, in preparing the final draft of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Continuing Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada

    Joan M. Sargeant

  2. Division of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada

    Karen V. Mann

  3. Department of Educational Development and Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Cees P. van der Vleuten

  4. Department of General Practice, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Job F. Metsemakers

Authors
  1. Joan M. Sargeant
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  2. Karen V. Mann
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  3. Cees P. van der Vleuten
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  4. Job F. Metsemakers
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Correspondence to Joan M. Sargeant.

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Sargeant, J.M., Mann, K.V., van der Vleuten, C.P. et al. Reflection: a link between receiving and using assessment feedback. Adv in Health Sci Educ 14, 399–410 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-008-9124-4

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