MSF for radiologists, pathologists and doctors with no patient contact

The problem

Multi-source feedback (MSF) usually includes patient feedback. If you are a radiologist, pathologist or another doctor who rarely meets patients, you may have no one to ask. This does not mean you are exempt from revalidation, but it does mean the standard approach may not fit.

What the GMC requires

The GMC requires doctors to collect patient and colleague feedback at least once in each five-year revalidation cycle, but it does not set a mandatory number of responses. What is acceptable for your role is a decision for your responsible officer (RO) and appraiser, so talk to them first.

Options to discuss with your RO

• Reduced patient feedback. If you have some patient contact, for example in clinics or procedures, a lower number may be agreed.
• No patient feedback for this round. If your RO agrees that patient feedback is not required for your role, you can do a round with colleague feedback only.
• Wider colleague feedback. Ask clinicians who rely on your reports, such as referrers, multidisciplinary team members and technical staff.

Make sure your RO’s view is recorded, for example in an email, so you and your appraiser can refer to it.

How to request a round with no patient feedback

• Open the Settings tab in your portal.
• Tick the box for no patient feedback.
• Give a short reason, and name the RO or organisation who agreed, or say that agreement is not required.
• Upload their confirmation if you have it.
• Dr Tapase reviews the request and emails you with the decision.

If it is approved, you collect colleague feedback only. Your colleague report states that no patient feedback was collected for this round and why, so your appraiser sees the position clearly. You do not receive a patient report.

Colleague feedback still matters

Even without patient feedback, colleague responses are still collected. Our standard is 15, and you can ask for a lower number if your team is small. Choose people who know your work, such as clinicians who use your reports, department colleagues, technical staff and managers.

Related guides

• How many MSF responses do you need?
• MSF for locum doctors