How Do Learners Receive Feedback on Note Writing? A Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose The literature assessing the process of note-writing based on gathered information is scant. This scoping review investigates methods of providing feedback on learners’ note-writing abilities. Method Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies that investigated feedback on student notes or reviewed notes written on an information or data-gathering activity in health care and other fields in August 2022. Of 426 articles screened, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on the article title, publication year, study location, study aim, study design, number of participants, participant demographics, level of education, type of note written, field of study, form of feedback given, source of the feedback, and student or participant rating of feedback method from the included articles. Then possible themes were identified and a final consensus-based thematic analysis was performed. Results Themes identified in the 23 included articles were as follows: (1) learners found faculty and peer feedback beneficial; (2) direct written comments and evaluation tools, such as rubrics or checklists, were the most common feedback methods; (3) reports on notes in real clinical settings were limited (simulated clinical scenarios in preclinical curriculum were the most studied); (4) feedback providers and recipients benefit from having prior training on providing and receiving feedback; (5) sequential or iterative feedback was beneficial for learners but can be time intensive for faculty and confounded by maturation effects; and (6) use of technology and validated assessment tools facilitate the feedback process through ease of communication and improved organization. Conclusions The various factors influencing impact and perception of feedback include the source, structure, setting, use of technology, and amount of feedback provided. As the utility of note-writing in health care expands, studies are needed to clarify the value of note feedback in learning and the role of innovative technologies in facilitating note feedback.

Assessments to Ensure Quality of Notes during Transfer of Patient Care

“…Although note writing is one of the most frequent tasks clinicians perform, its quality depends on the complex process of gathering accurate information, synthesizing the note in a clear and comprehensive history, and the ability to compose a well-written note. This complex process needs to be supported by adequate training and feedback, and there is a paucity of literature to guide it, as evidenced by a recent review ( 11 ). Assessment tools with validity evidence can be used by supervisors for feedback, as well as for peer review and self-reflection.…”

“…Assessment tools with validity evidence can be used by supervisors for feedback, as well as for peer review and self-reflection. Some have proposed that machine learning algorithms can be made to use these assessment tools to reduce demands on faculty ( 6 , 11 ). Still, these algorithms are as good as the datasets they are trained in, and evidence for their accuracy is currently lacking ( 12 ).…”