What they are
MSF
- One per training year in ST1, ST2 and ST3; in ST3, in the first half.
- At least 10 responses, normally 5 or more clinicians and 5 or more non-clinical staff who have worked with you recently. In hospital posts where non-clinical staff are hard to find, extra clinicians are acceptable.
- All respondents comment on professional behaviour; clinicians also comment on clinical performance. Responses are anonymous to you.
- Your ES releases the results and discusses them with you.
Leadership MSF
ST3 only, in the second half, after your leadership activity is complete. Invite more than 10 people who saw your leadership work, with a mix of clinical and non-clinical colleagues. See Leadership.
PSQ
- ST3, ideally after the midpoint of the year.
- At least 34 responses; print around 50 forms.
- You must not hand out, collect or enter the forms. Reception or admin staff give them to consecutive patients after your consultations and enter the data; your ES closes and releases it.
The numbers by year
| Requirement | ST1 | ST2 | ST3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) | 1 per year | 1 per year | 1 per year in the first half of ST3; separate from the leadership MSF |
| Leadership MSF check current RCGP guidance | Not required | Not required | 1 per year |
| Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) | Not required | Not required | 1 per year |
Full time, per training year unless stated. Less than full time: per-year totals stay the same and each 6-month review needs a pro rata share; 6-monthly ESRs and 12-monthly certificates are not pro rata. Check with your deanery and educational supervisor.
Notes on these numbers
- Multi-Source Feedback (MSF), LTFT: Once per training year (the training year is longer); confirm timing with ES.
- Leadership MSF, LTFT: Once in the ST3 training year.
- Leadership MSF, confidence: medium (respondent minimum); high (timing). Our sources were partly secondary for this item: check current RCGP guidance.
- Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), LTFT: Once in the ST3 training year.
How to do it well
- Invite 15 or more colleagues for MSF, early in the window.
- Launch well before your ESR so responses arrive in time.
- Brief reception properly for the PSQ: consecutive patients, not chosen ones.
Reflecting on feedback
- Read for themes, not single comments.
- Compare with your COTs, CSR and previous MSF: is the same message coming through?
- Pick one strength to keep and one area to develop; write a SMART PDP objective for it.
- If a comment upsets you, talk to your ES before writing about it.
Common ARCP pitfalls
- Launching late, so responses arrive after the ESR.
- Inviting only doctors.
- Leadership MSF before the activity is complete.
- The trainee handling PSQ forms.
- Results released but never reflected on.