360 degree assessment (multisource feedback) of UK trainee doctors: Field testing of team assessment of behaviours (TAB)

Abstract

Background: This study was to see if the team assessment of behaviours (TAB) 360 degree assessment tool was able to identify interpersonal behaviour problems in doctors in training, to see if feedback was useful, to gauge the value of the process by those involved, and to learn lessons about implementing the process for the future.

Methods: TAB was administered to assess interpersonal behaviours of senior house officers in four hospitals in the West Midlands, UK. In addition, questionnaires were sent to all participants, some were interviewed about the whole process, and records kept of the time involved.

Results: One hundred and seventyone SHO volunteers received 1378 assessments. The median number of ratings per SHO was 8 (mode 9). Sixtyfour percent of SHOs received ‘no concern’ ratings in all four behaviours (domains) assessed. Twentyone percent received one ‘some concern’ rating. Fifteen percent received more than one ‘concern’ rating.

Conclusion: Assessors and trainees found the process practical, valuable and fair. Educational supervisors found it valuable, although only 23% learned something new about their trainees. Clinical tutors valued the system. Administrative staff found it time consuming. The TAB four-domain rating form with its single pass category identified specific concern about volunteer trainees’ professional behaviour. Not all trainees received skilled feedback.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Whitehouse

ANDREW WHITEHOUSE is director of hospital and specialist education in the West Midlands Deanery, and consultant physician at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Andrew Hassell

ANDY HASSELL is associate postgraduate dean for education in the West Midlands Deanery and a consultant in rheumatology at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke on Trent.

Alison Bullock

ALISON BULLOCK is Reader in Medical and Dental Education in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham and a senior member of the Centre for Research in Medical and Dental Education in the School of Education.

Laurence Wood

LAURENCE WOOD is associate postgraduate dean for education in the West Midlands Deanery and a consultant in obstetrics and gyanecology at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire in Coventry.

David Wall

DAVID WALL is deputy regional postgraduate dean in the West Midlands Deanery and professor of medical education at Staffordshire University.