Peer Feedback in Continuous Professional Development

Abstract

Continuous professional development functions to guide medical professionals in growing their expertise. Deliberate practice is a foundational methodology for developing expertise, and feedback plays a critical role in the process. This chapter will discuss potential sources of feedback for medical professionals, identifying benefits and limitations of each. Peer feedback can dramatically impact professional development. Many clinician educators participate in peer observation as a means of developing teaching skills. Programs offering peer feedback regarding patient care skills are less ubiquitous, equally important, and universally relevant. Mechanisms for feedback regarding professionalism, communication, and collaboration behaviors also add value. The barriers to engaging in peer observation and feedback are significant. Strategies to overcome these barriers must be utilized. Readers will recognize why institutions should develop peer feedback programs and gain tangible strategies to develop such programs effectively.