Medical Teacher

ISSN: 0142-159X (Print) 1466-187X (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/imte20

Twelve tips for giving feedback effectively in the

clinical environment

Subha Ramani & Sharon K. Krackov

To cite this article: Subha Ramani & Sharon K. Krackov (2012) Twelve tips for giving
feedback effectively in the clinical environment, Medical Teacher, 34:10, 787-791, DOI:
10.3109/0142159X.2012.684916

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2012.684916

Published online: 25 Jun 2012.

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 2012; 34: 787–791

TWELVE TIPS

Twelve tips for giving feedback effectively in the

clinical environment
SUBHA RAMANI1 & SHARON K. KRACKOV2
1
Harvard Medical School, USA, 2Albany Medical College, USA

Abstract
Background: Feedback is an essential element of the educational process for clinical trainees. Performance-based feedback
enables good habits to be reinforced and faulty ones to be corrected. Despite its importance, most trainees feel that they do not
receive adequate feedback and if they do, the process is not effective.
Aims and methods: The authors reviewed the literature on feedback and present the following 12 tips for clinical teachers to
provide effective feedback to undergraduate and graduate medical trainees. In most of the tips, the focus is the individual teacher
in clinical settings, although some of the suggestions are best adopted at the institutional level.
Results: Clinical educators will find the tips practical and easy to implement in their day-to-day interactions with learners. The
techniques can be applied in settings whether the time for feedback is 5 minutes or 30 minutes.
Conclusions: Clinical teachers can improve their skills for giving feedback to learners by using the straightforward and practical
tools described in the subsequent sections. Institutions should emphasise the importance of feedback to their clinical educators,
provide staff development and implement a mechanism by which the quantity and quality of feedback is monitored.

Background Practice points

In medicine, the educational focus has shifted away from . Establish a respectful learning environment.
knowledge acquisition and duration of training towards the . Communicate goals and objectives for feedback.
achievement of learning outcomes and preparation of physi- . Base feedback on direct observation.
cians for meeting individual and population healthcare needs . Make feedback timely and a regular occurrence.
(Krackov & Pohl 2011). In this outcome, or competency-based . Begin the session with the learner’s self-assessment.
approach to education, learners are expected to reach specific . Reinforce and correct observed behaviours.
milestones, as they develop the competencies expected of a . Use specific, neutral language to focus on performance.
physician. Detailed and prompt feedback on performance, . Confirm the learner’s understanding and facilitate
coupled with opportunities to improve, helps them achieve acceptance.
these milestones (Krackov 2011; Krackov & Pohl 2011). . Conclude with an action plan.
Ende (1983) defines feedback as, ‘information describing . Reflect on your feedback skills.
students’ or house officers’ performance in a given activity that . Create staff-development opportunities.
is intended to guide their future performance in that same or a . Make feedback part of institutional culture.
related activity’. Hesketh and Laidlaw (2002) describe feed-
back as an essential element of the educational process that
can help trainees reach their maximum potential. It enables
learners to achieve the course or program goals by reinforcing feedback in this way, we see that constructive feedback helps
good performance and providing the basis for remediation learners increase their skill set while working to achieve the
when needed. Feedback links the teaching and assessment expected outcomes. It raises their awareness about their
roles of teachers and demonstrates their commitment to the performance and directs their future actions.
learners (Krackov 2009). Medical students and residents have stated that feedback,
Krackov and Pohl (2011) presented a curriculum develop- when given effectively, is useful in helping them gauge their
ment model in which deliberate practice (Ericsson 2004) plays performance and making action plans for improvement (Bing-
a critical role in building expertise as the learner develops You et al. 1997; Hewson & Little 1998; Bing-You & Trowbridge
knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours in an iterative 2009). Yet, trainees report that feedback is given infrequently
process over time. In this curriculum model, students should and/or ineffectively (Hewson & Little 1998; Branch &
receive regular feedback and have an opportunity to discuss Paranjape 2002), whereas teachers themselves believe that
their abilities with their teachers in conjunction with both they provide frequent and adequate feedback (Branch &
formative and summative assessments. When we think about Paranjape 2002).

Correspondence: S. Ramani, Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, 1180 Beacon Street, Suite 1A-B,
Brookline, MA 02446, USA. Tel: 1-617-278-1700; fax: 1-617-232-2196; e-mail: sramani@partners.org
ISSN 0142–159X print/ISSN 1466–187X online/12/100787–5 ß 2012 Informa UK Ltd. 787
DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2012.684916
S. Ramani & S. K. Krackov

Barriers to effective feedback environment, the goals and objectives of the learning expe-
rience and the expectations for what the learner is expected to
Hesketh and Laidlaw (2002) state that there are several barriers
achieve during the experience.
that prevent effective feedback from taking place. The purpose
The teacher should inform the learner in advance about the
of feedback may not be clear to the teacher or learner. There
feedback session, schedule the meeting at a mutually conve-
may be no appropriate time or place for a feedback session.
nient time and private location and get agreement on the
The teacher may have minimal or no formal training in giving
session goals, agenda and expected outcomes (Hewson &
effective feedback, may lack confidence about his/her obser-
Little 1998). This preliminary orientation and discussion of
vations, or may not know how to translate observations into
responsibilities and goals sets the stage, makes the learner
specific, nonjudgemental and constructive feedback (Brukner
more comfortable and responsible and engages the learner as
et al. 1999; Cantillon & Sargeant 2008). Consequently, feed-
a moving force for learning (Wood 2000).
back may be very general and not helpful to a learner seeking
to improve performance (Brukner et al. 1999). The hierarchical
culture of medicine promotes a one-way flow of information
from teacher to learner instead of a two-way conversation
Tip 3
(Krackov 2011). As a result, the learner may view feedback as
a negative experience in which performance will be criticised.
Base feedback on direct observation
A major responsibility of faculty is to ensure that trainees are
competent to move on to the next level and ultimately to
Objectives
independent practice as a physician (Hauer et al. 2011).
In this article, we provide 12 key strategies that will help Trainees in medicine learn key clinical skills such as history-
clinical teachers give effective feedback to learners, increase taking, physical examination, communication and patient
acceptance of feedback and enable the improvement of counselling skills through patient care and in simulated
performance based on the feedback. experiences. As the learner progresses from a novice to a
competent practitioner and beyond, more experienced physi-
cians should observe the performance and note important
Tip 1 areas of success or remediation. This direct observation forms
the basis for the feedback session.
Establish a respectful learning environment Feedback on behaviours based on direct observation by the
A positive learning climate is essential in order for feedback to teacher has been reported to be more acceptable and
be maximally effective (Hewson & Little 1998). The learning instructive to trainees than feedback based on second-hand
climate should promote the concept that the teacher and reporting (Ende 1983; Van Hell et al. 2009). When Bing-You
learner are working together to help the learner achieve the et al. (1997) surveyed medicine residents, they found that
expected outcomes, with an expectation that teachers will trainees tended to discount feedback if they did not believe
observe performance and give feedback regularly in an that the statements arose out of first-hand observation.
atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Teachers and learners
should be partners in the process of feedback. A feedback
session should be viewed as a two-way conversation in which Tip 4
the learner plays an important role in assessing his/her own
performance (Krackov 2011). The teacher should be genuinely Make feedback timely and a regular occurrence
receptive to feedback from trainees. An important purpose of feedback is formative, to enable the
When medical residents were surveyed, they stated that learner to make needed changes before the end of the course/
trust and respect for the teacher are factors that would make rotation. If a behaviour needs correction, the teacher should
them more receptive to feedback (Bing-You et al. 1997; provide feedback as soon as possible after the encounter so
Hesketh & Laidlaw 2002). Feedback that was termed effective the learner has sufficient time to act. If feedback is not given
was given in a private setting and featured a considerate tone until the very end of the experience, the learner will not have
and good interpersonal skills on the part of the teacher (Bing- an opportunity to remediate the behaviour during the course/
You et al. 1997). Learners also found it helpful if feedback was rotation.
even-handed (addressed both strengths and mistakes) and was Formative feedback can take place in several ways. A brief,
given gently, supportively, caringly and with concern for their informal formative feedback session takes place immediately
situation (Hewson & Little 1998). or as soon as possible after the observation of a behaviour,
when both teacher and learner recall the events accurately and
the learner can make adjustments in performance before the
Tip 2 final evaluation (Perera et al. 2008). This session can be related
to correcting a specific skill, for example, cardiac auscultation
Communicate goals and objectives for feedback
technique (Branch & Paranjape 2002). A longer formative
Wood (2000) stated that the teachers and learners should work feedback session should be scheduled at the mid-point of the
together to create a learning model in which feedback will be course/rotation. This meeting can address a range of skills and
effective. The first step is to orient the learner to the work behaviours, but still have the purpose of enabling mid-course
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 Feedback in clinical environment

improvement. Summative feedback should accompany the Tip 7

final evaluation so the learner can continue to grow.
The deliberate practice model (Krackov & Pohl 2011) Use specific, neutral language to focus on
focuses on learning outcomes, feedback, mentoring and performance
reflection for the achievement of curricular milestones. As
the model also promotes a culture of continuous learning and Positive communication strategies are essential. The message
sent by body language is important; sitting down beside the
improvement, regular ongoing feedback is essential to pro-
learner will minimise a position of power on the part of the
mote the highest quality medical care and professional
teacher. Base feedback on directly observed performance, as
satisfaction.
recommended earlier in the text. When delivering reinforcing
or corrective feedback, use a respectful, supportive tone and
precise, descriptive and neutral wording. Focus on behaviours
Tip 5 that can be changed, not the person or personality (Wood
2000) and provide clear examples (Cantillon & Sargeant 2008;
Begin the session with the learner’s self-assessment Krackov 2009). When Internal Medicine residents were inter-
A key goal of clinical training is to promote a reflective viewed on their perceptions of useful feedback, they felt that
practitioner. Opening the feedback session by inviting the timely, specific feedback was most effective when accompa-
learner to self-assess can help achieve this goal. Use open- nied by suggestions for change (Bing-You 1997).
ended questions to start the meeting as a conversation and Be sure to give positive feedback too. Make the session a
promote the learner’s reflection on his/her practices. The two-way conversation. The learner should be a partner in the
learner may raise issues requiring a response from the feedback process who initiates and responds to questions. Be
teacher, which can help begin the dialogue (Branch & aware of the learner’s response, personality and temperament.
Paranjape 2002). The learner may well bring up the same Limit the feedback given in the session to what the learner can
points that the teacher had planned to address, thus absorb (Wood 2000; Krackov 2009). When feedback is
providing a useful entrée. handled well, it can enhance the teacher–learner relationship
This self-assessment can soften the perception of harshness and lead to beneficial changes in the learner’s behaviour
(Cantillon & Sargeant 2008).
and help make sensitive, corrective feedback feel more
acceptable (Branch & Paranjape 2002). Feedback initiated
solely or jointly by learners was seen as more instructive than Tip 8
that initiated mainly by teachers (Cantillon & Sargeant 2008;
Van Hell et al. 2009). Confirm the learner’s understanding and facilitate
acceptance
A feedback session can be loaded with emotion on the part of
Tip 6 both teacher and learner, particularly when corrective feed-
back is given. It is important to learn about the learner’s
Reinforce and correct observed behaviours
perspectives and possible reasons for a specific behaviour
Begin by acknowledging and reinforcing exemplary behav- (Krackov 2009). Consider the learner’s background, tempera-
iour. This approach can support good practices, motivate ment and readiness to change (Milan et al. 2006). Invite the
the learner to repeat them and prompt him/her to seek learner to ask questions to assure that he/she has a firm
more feedback (Cantillon & Sargeant 2008; Krackov 2009). understanding.
Trainees stated that positive feedback on what they The ECO model (emotions, content and outcome) is a
were doing correctly gave them confidence in their skills three-step process developed from the counselling literature to
and created a better learning environment (Bing-You et al. facilitate acceptance and use in multisource feedback
1997). (Sargeant et al. 2011). Step 1 focuses on acknowledging and
Next, highlight necessary corrections, providing specific exploring the emotional reaction to the feedback received.
examples and suggestions for improvement. Learners have Step 2 aims to clarify the specific content of the feedback as it
reported that constructive feedback was beneficial espe- relates to the trainee’s performance. Step 3 seeks to confirm
cially when it focused on specific performance accompa- the trainee’s identified learning and development needs and
nied by reasons why the performance was incorrect or coach the creation of an outcomes plan that will meet the
faulty (Bing-You 1997) and when it dealt with behaviours needs and improve performance.
that the learner was able to control or modify (Wood
2000).
Pendleton et al. (2003) described a similar four-step process
Tip 9
for carrying out a feedback session. Ask the learner what he/
Conclude with an action plan
she feels was done well; agree as appropriate and add
reinforcing comments; then, ask the learner to identify areas of The feedback session should end with an action plan for
improvement; agree as appropriate and add more corrective improvement (Bing-You et al. 1997; Krackov 2009). Ask the
feedback. learner to generate ideas and then endorse or modify them
789
S. Ramani & S. K. Krackov

as necessary. Inviting the learner to generate a plan for feedback from learners, peers and their superiors on their
improvement as opposed to the teacher giving him/her a list of performance as teachers. The institution should develop a
items to accomplish will help develop the trainee’s skills of process for monitoring the feedback process in individual
reflection, summarise the meeting by repeating the learner’s courses/rotations. Videotaping feedback sessions and/or peer
areas of strength and the agreed-upon plan to address observation with debriefing can be very useful techniques that
deficiencies. Then, set a time for a follow-up meeting where should be implemented at an institutional level. Trainees
you can review progress and continue to work together to should be oriented to the expectations of regular feedback at
achieve the desired outcomes. the institution and strongly encouraged to be proactive in
asking for feedback (Milan et al. 2011).
The institution can promote the importance of feedback by
Tip 10 organising a variety of staff development opportunities for
teachers as described earlier and by supporting faculty’s
Reflect on your feedback skills attendance at sessions offered at other institutions and
Reflection by the teacher should follow every feedback session educational conferences.
After the session ends, the teacher should reflect on what went
well, what to change the next time and what new strategies
he/she will adapt for future sessions (Krackov 2009). It is also
Conclusion
useful to discuss challenges and acquire new tricks from peers Even the most experienced teachers find it challenging to
and senior educators. provide feedback to learners. Frequently, there is a mismatch
Despite the best preparation and use of recommended between teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of the adequacy
strategies, all feedback sessions do not go perfectly. The and effectiveness of feedback. Staff development is key in
learner may be defensive and may not accept corrective increasing teachers’ comfort and skills in this area. Moreover,
feedback (Ende 1983; Krackov 2009). He/she may try to assign the institution should make the soliciting and giving of
blame elsewhere to account for the performance. Even feedback an expectation of teachers and learners alike. The
successful feedback sessions will benefit from the process of tips described in this article will provide clinical teachers with a
reflection to help assure that future meetings also turn out well. framework of strategies to provide brief, or more detailed
Making reflection a part of every feedback encounter will formative and summative feedback to learners.
improve the teacher’s skills at giving feedback.

Tip 11 Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of

interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and
Create staff development opportunities writing of the article.

Staff development is key for training faculty to give effective

feedback. Workshops are a useful mechanism (Brukner et al. Notes on contributors
1999; Krackov 2009; Krackov 2011) and can be scheduled at a SUBHA RAMANI, MBBS, MMED, MPH, is a General Internist and Medical
convenient time for faculty. They can emphasise the applica- Educator at Harvard Medical School. She was formerly an Associate
tion of adult learning theories to on-the-job teaching strategies Residency Program Director for the Department of Medicine and the
and provide opportunities for peer discussions and skills Director of Clinical Skills curriculum for the Medicine Residency Program at
Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA.
practice. Reviewing the literature that reports learner opinions
SHARON KRACKOV, EdD, is a Medical Education Consultant and Professor
on effective feedback strategies is a form of staff development
of Medical Education, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA. Prior
that can help teachers as they plan future feedback sessions affiliations: Director, Medical and Dental Education, Associated Medical
with their learners. Teachers may consider partnering with a Schools of New York, USA; Director, Faculty and Program Development,
colleague who could observe their feedback sessions and then Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA and Senior Lecturer, Columbia
debrief the encounter. College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
Clinical teachers should consider giving feedback as similar
to any other skill, which can be acquired and honed through
repeated practice (Cantillon & Sargeant 2008). This skill can be References
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