Feedback and Evaluation

In order to give effective feedback, a physician needs to develop a sound teacher-student relationship. During the first month, the preceptor should observe the student daily doing interviews and examinations in order to gauge the student’s level of competence and to instruct him/her in areas that need improvement. Evaluation methods and instruments are designed to enhance the student’s learning experience, not just measure performance. Verbal feedback and evaluations are an integral part of the clerkship experience. A lack of direction and ongoing feedback are the most significant shortcomings identified by students during the clinical portion of their training--hallway discussion and off-handed feedback are not as powerful as sitting down and having a private dialogue with the student. It is suggested that there be weekly meetings between the preceptor and the student; organized discussion and feedback will give the student the opportunity to talk about particular patients and present one or more cases to the preceptor for critique. Additionally, the feedback sessions are a great opportunity for the physician preceptor to review the student’s professional progress (charts, records and activity data), discuss strengths and areas that need improvement, make suggestions for additional study and talk about any personal problems the student may be dealing with. See the WRITE Progress Report and Feedback Summary Form, due in to your WWAMI Regional Dean at the end of each month.

The following Weekly Feedback & Evaluation Reference List was developed to aid the preceptor in evaluating the student’s progress and in offering feedback:

Communication Skills:

• Interactions with patients
• Clinic and hospital staff relations
• Interaction with consultants
• Community relations

Clinical Skills:

• History taking skills & physical exam techniques, both clinic and hospital based
• Procedural skills

Knowledge base:

• Differential diagnosis
• Treatment plans
• Hospital progress notes & orders

Overall experience:

• Data entries in the student's Patient Visit Log should indicate that the student is getting a variety of experiences

Self-discipline and level of satisfaction:

• Attitude regarding assigned responsibilities - how are things going from the student’s perspective?
• Timeliness - efficient use of time?
• Use of personal time - are there any needs?
• Use of reading time