title: Peer feedback as an aid to learning--what do we want? Feedback. When do we want it? Now!
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With 360° appraisals integral to professional life, learning how to give constructive feedback is an essential generic skill.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To use a formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for skills acquisition and development in giving feedback, whilst facilitating awareness of the importance of communication skills in clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical and nursing students took part in a formative OSCE. Using actors as simulated patients, a three-station OSCE circuit was repeated three times so that students could rotate through the roles as 'candidate', 'examiner' and 'observer'. As 'candidates', they received immediate feedback on their consultation from the 'examiner'/'observer'. The events were evaluated using a questionnaire and focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students immensely valued this learning event for considering expectations for a performance (91-100%). Concerns around giving peers feedback were acknowledged, and they were divided on preference for feedback from peers or tutors (48% versus 52%). But training in providing feedback and criteria for assessment were considered helpful, as was instruction by faculty to give corrective feedback to peers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peer observation and professional accountability for giving constructive feedback enhanced awareness of their skills education and training needs. It also opened the dialogue for identifying opportunities for peer assessment and feedback to support work-based education and skills development.
authors.affiliation: Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cushing
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: Doug
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lothian
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Olwyn M R
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Westwood
mesh_terms: D005246:Feedback; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010379:Peer Group; D010808:Physical Examination; D013337:Students, Medical; D013338:Students, Nursing; D013997:Time Factors