The 'Kidney' model for optimising feedback in undergraduate clinical communication: A meta-ethnographic systematic review

Objectives: Feedback frameworks/models focus on certain aspects of the feedback process, but a coherent and systematic model is lacking. A meta-ethnography was conducted to identify and synthesise guidance for optimising feedback interactions in undergraduate clinical communication simulations.Methods: A systematic search of 4 electronic databases and grey literature was conducted. Following Noblit and Hare's seven phases for conducting meta-ethnography, key themes and concepts were synthesised to provide new interpretations of components in effective feedback interactions.Results: 373 publications were identified and 14 included for the final synthesis, which informed the development of a new Feedback Kidney Model. The Model illustrates the interconnections of various components that allow for effective feedback interactions. The main processes include preparation, proactivity, analysis and feedback information, reception and response, and influencing factors. Conclusions: This meta-ethnography moves beyond providing an up-to-date synthesis of feedback guidance to proposing the brand-new Feedback Kidney Model, which can guide medical education and future research into how feedback is co-constructed and utilised to promote learning. Practice implications: Clinical communication should incorporate meta-cognitive training and using this Model will help students better utilise on-site face-to-face feedback to enhance their learning and improve future communication with patients.

Automated summary

This study conducted a meta-ethnography to identify and synthesize guidance for optimizing feedback interactions in undergraduate clinical communication simulations. The findings led to the development of a new Feedback Kidney Model, which can guide medical education and future research on feedback in promoting learning. Incorporating meta-cognitive training and utilizing the model can help improve students' learning and communication with patients through on-site face-to-face feedback.