Is the trainee-supervisor relationship important in trainee’s perception of feedback? 

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of Obs and Gynae trainees, aiming to explore current difficulties in feedback and to suggest improvements for trainees.

Rationale

Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the East of England have rated feedback as the lowest scoring domain in the most recent GMC survey.

 

Effective feedback is essential for continuous learning and improvement, and central to this is a comfortable and trusting supervisor-trainee relationship which allows the provision and receipt of honest and credible feedback without fear of repercussions.

Results

-Modern day training causes difficulty in continuity of supervision and therefore effective supervisor relationships.

-Individual traits of trainees need to be considered and feedback should be individualised.

-There is a clear difference in supervision needs for junior and senior trainees.

-A knowledgeable and motivated supervisor leads to more effective supervision and more credible feedback.

Conclusion

To improve the rating of feedback by trainees in the region, attention needs to be paid to improving supervisor-trainee relationships, and particularly the individualisation of feedback provision.

Appropriate time and funding should be invested in effective supervision to enable honest and effective feedback to be sought and shared, with a resultant improvement in continued learning.