MSF & PSQ

Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)

MSF is a method of providing feedback to doctors about observed behaviours in the workplace.  It is a good reflective tool but crucially, MSF is a requirement for revalidation.

Through Scottish Government funding, PSDS has been providing MSF via 3rd party software called WASP and this is linked directly to SOAR for appraisal and revalidation.  However, appraisees are free to choose other validated MSF tools if they so wished - so long as it has been approved by the Responsible Officer - ultimately they have to be satisfied that the tools used is suitable to help inform them with revalidation recommendations.

How will multi-source feedback affect appraisal?

Appraisal is a good environment to discuss the results of multi-source feedback.  Appraisees should be encouraged to reflect on the feedback, and how to maintain or develop their practice.  Appraisers should be aware of the potential benefits and consequences of MSF for doctors.

Appraisees should consider undertaking MSF if:

• they are interested in finding out how colleagues view their practice across a number of professional areas
• they are prepared to consider and learn from the feedback given
• they are feeling robust on a personal level and professionally secure
• they have access to a minimum of 10 colleagues who work with them regularly in a variety of different ways and are able to assess different elements of their professional practice including clinical practice (e.g. GPs, Consultants, Practice Nurses, other Health Professionals, Admin and Reception staff)

Appraisees should consider rescheduling MSF if:

• they are dealing with difficult personal or professional issues
• they do not have 10 colleagues who can give them meaningful feedback.  However, there may be appropriate ways to get round this which an appraiser could discuss with the appraisee (e.g. looking for feedback from colleagues outside of own practice/department or across several work areas)

Patient Survey Questionnaire (PSQ)

Similar to MSF, PSQ is a revalidation requirement.  Your appraisees are expected to do these at least once in a 5 year cycle (but not necessary within the same appraisal year as the MSF).

Unlike MSF, PSQ has not been funded by the Scottish Government and there is no single agreed form for universal use, as each health board has its own protocol in place for this.  Most doctors in Scotland are using the CARE questionnaire or the GMC questionnaire.  Some specialities have developed their own PSQ to reflect their working context such as Palliative care and Paediatrics.  It is a good idea to do a little research about the PSQ used if you are not already familiar with it (e.g. cross specialty or cross health board appraisals).

However, same as MSF, make sure the RO has approved the tool of choice first.

PSDS has no involvement in deciding which tools should be used.  There are very few doctors who cannot get meaningful patient/relative feedback.  Where possible the PSQ should be distributed randomly and the results processed independently before being given to the clinician concerned.

Please contact and liaise with your local Administration Team for further assistance with PSQ.

This page was last updated on: 12/05/2026