CJEM Articles: feedback

Displaying 1-3 of 3 results

  • July 2011 13 4
    Glen Bandiera

    Assessing a learner in the course of a hectic emergency department (ED) rotation is a daunting task for both experienced and new supervisors. This is particularly true if the learner is not doing well. In light of numerous impediments provided by the modern ED environment, sticking to basic principles can result in marked improvement in both the process and the outcome of in-training assessment. This article addresses these important principles for assessment as they apply in the clinical realm of the ED, with a focus on matching expectations to both the trainee and the available assessment strategies. It is critical that teachers strive for clarity, consistency, honesty, and adherence to due process in their learner assessments. This article provides an evidence-informed approach to succeeding with such an approach to clinical assessment.

  • November 2010 12 6
    Constance LeBlanc, Jonathan Sherbino
  • January 2008 10 1
    David Lendrum, Glen Bandiera

    Objective: We sought to determine if a novel competency-based daily encounter card (DEC) that was designed to minimize leniency bias and maximize independent competency assessments could address the limitations of existing feedback mechanisms when applied to an emergency medicine rotation.

    Methods: Learners in 2 tertiary academic emergency departments (EDs) presented a DEC to their teachers after each shift. DECs included dichotomous categorical rating scales (i.e., "needs attention" or "area of strength") for each of the 7 CanMEDS roles or competencies and an overall global rating scale. Teachers were instructed to choose which of the 7 competencies they wished to evaluate on each shift. Results were analyzed using both staff and resident as the units of analysis.

    Results: Fifty-four learners submitted a total of 801 DECs that were then completed by 43 different teachers over 28 months. Teachers' patterns of selecting CanMEDS competencies to assess did not differ between the 2 sites. Teachers selected an average of 3 roles per DEC (range 0-7). Only 1.3% were rated as "needs further attention." The frequency with which each competency was selected ranged from 25% (Health Advocate) to 85% (Medical Expert).

    Conclusion: Teachers chose to direct feedback toward a breadth of competencies. They provided feedback on all 7 CanMEDS roles in the ED, yet demonstrated a marked leniency bias.