The multi-source feedback (MSF) (which may also be referred to as the peer assessment tool or 360º feedback) is derived from the Sheffield Peer Review Assessment Tool. The tool collates (anonymised) feedback on a variety of skills and behaviours (e.g. communication, prioritisation, teamwork). It has been used in medical training for many years and is useful for assessing psychosocial (i.e. humanistic skills) and clinical skills; it can also identify poor performance.
Any individuals that the pharmacist has worked with on a regular basis (at least weekly) can be asked to provide feedback. A separate tool exists for obtaining feedback from patients. Although RPS guidance recommends identifying at least three individuals to provide feedback, identifying at least ten peers allows pharmacists to select peers from a range of backgrounds and levels of experience / seniority and also recognises that response rates may fall below 100%. This list should be agreed with their Work-based Educational Supervisor to ensure they are suitable (e.g. cover a range of disciplines and experience, there are no conflicts of interest). Nominated peers need to be asked beforehand and briefed about the process to help them provide feedback in a timely manner. The tool can be used at any time during a pharmacist’s training, but episodes of peer assessment should be separated by at least three months to allow the pharmacist to reflect and act upon the first feedback summary. The end of a rotation often provides a good opportunity for this assessment since the pharmacist will have worked with a variety of healthcare professionals for a sufficient period.
The RPS e-portfolio includes an MSF tool. A user flow dagram has also been produced to demonstrate how each cycle of MSF can be facilitated using the e-portfolio.