Guidance for providing effective feedback in clinical supervision in postgraduate medical education: a systematic review

Abstract

The primary aim was to systematically review the empirical evidence relating to models and guidance for providing effective feedback in clinical supervision occurring in postgraduate medical education contexts. A secondary aim was to identify the common and differentiating components of models and guidance for providing effective feedback in this context. A systematic review was conducted. Fifty-one records met the inclusion criteria, including 12 empirical studies. Empirical records meeting inclusion criteria were critically appraised. Qualitative content analysis was applied to the guidance on effective and ineffective feedback provision to identify key principles. A composite model was created synthesising the guidance identified for providing effective feedback. The evidence supporting specific models and guidance in postgraduate medical education was limited. However, there is evidence to support all of the commonly identified principles. In addition, a consensus about the principles of effective feedback in clinical supervision in postgraduate medical education was found.