A multisource feedback tool to assess ward round leadership skills of senior paediatric trainees: (1) Development of tool

Background Leading a ward round is an essential skill for hospital consultants and senior trainees but is rarely assessed during training. Objectives To investigate the key attributes for ward round leadership and to use these results to develop a multisource feedback (MSF) tool to assess the ward round leadership skills of senior specialist trainees. Methods A panel of experts comprising four senior paediatric consultants and two nurse managers were interviewed from May to August 2009. From analysis of the interview transcripts, 10 key themes emerged. A structured questionnaire based on the key themes was designed and sent electronically to paediatric consultants, nurses and trainees at a large university hospital (June-October 2010). Results 81 consultants, nurses and trainees responded to the survey. The internal consistency of this tool was high (Cronbach's 0.95). Factor analysis showed that five factors accounted for 72% of variance. The five key areas for ward round leadership were communication skills, preparation and organisation, teaching and enthusiasm, team working and punctuality; communication was the most important key theme. A MSF tool for ward round leadership skills was developed with these areas as five domains. Conclusions We believe that this tool will add to the current assessment tools available by providing feedback about ward round leadership skills.