Evidence map›Paper›PMID 34384410›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2021

Designing a system for performance appraisal: balancing physicians' accountability and professional development.

Elisa Bindels, Benjamin Boerebach, Renée Scheepers, Annemiek Nooteboom, Albert Scherpbier, Sylvia Heeneman, Kiki Lombarts

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Elisa BindelsDepartment of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Center for Professional Performance and Compassionate Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. e.bindels@uu.nl.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6096-4950
Benjamin Boerebach *Department of Value-Based Healthcare, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5931-9783
Renée Scheepers *Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5750-3686
Annemiek NooteboomDepartment of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Albert ScherpbierDepartment of Educational Development and Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9652-0163
Sylvia HeenemanDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6103-8075
Kiki LombartsDepartment of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Center for Professional Performance and Compassionate Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6167-0620

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIn many healthcare systems, physicians are accustomed to periodically participate in individual performance appraisals to guide their professional development. For the purpose of revalidation, or maintenance of certification, they need to demonstrate that they have engaged with the outcomes of these appraisals. The combination of taking ownership in professional development and meeting accountability requirements may cause undesirable interference of purposes. To support physicians in their professional development, new Dutch legislation requires that they discuss their performance data with a non-hierarchical (peer)coach and draft a personal development plan. In this study, we report on the design of this system for performance appraisal in a Dutch academic medical center.

methodsUsing a design-based research approach, a hospital-based research group had the lead in drafting and implementing a performance appraisal protocol, selecting a multisource feedback tool, co-developing and piloting a coaching approach, implementing a planning tool, recruiting peer coaches and facilitating their training and peer group debriefings.

resultsThe system consisted of a two-hour peer-to-peer conversation based on the principles of appreciative inquiry and solution-focused coaching. Sessions were rated as highly motivating, development-oriented, concrete and valuable. Peer coaches were considered suitable, although occasionally physicians preferred a professional coach because of their expertise. The system honored both accountability and professional development purposes. By integrating the performance appraisal system with an already existing internal performance system, physicians were enabled to openly and safely discuss their professional development with a peer, while also being supported by their superior in their self-defined developmental goals. Although the peer-to-peer conversation was mandatory and participation in the process was documented, it was up to the physician whether or not to share its results with others, including their superior.

conclusionsIn the context of mandatory revalidation, professional development can be supported when the appraisal process involves three characteristics: the appraisal process is appreciative and explores developmental opportunities; coaches are trustworthy and skilled; and the physician has control over the disclosure of the appraisal output. Although the peer-to-peer conversations were positively evaluated, the effects on physicians' professional development have yet to be investigated in longitudinal research designs.

Indexed as

MentoringPhysiciansCertificationClinical CompetenceEmployee Performance AppraisalFeedbackHumansSocial ResponsibilityCoachingContinuing professional development (CPD)Design-based research (DBR)Maintenance of certification (MoC)Multisource feedback (MSF)Performance appraisal and assessmentRe-registrationRevalidation

Identifiers

PMID34384410
PMCPMC8359079

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.