| The present study had two purposes: (1) To compare multi source feedback ratings, use of feedback, socio demographic and CME participation for surgeons and family physicians, and (2) To identify the variables independently associated with surgeon and family physician performance ratings, use of feedback and categorization of self as an under or over-rater. Physician databases containing information about the performance ratings of 200 surgeons and 257 family physicians as assessed by peers, co-workers, patients and self; the use these physicians made of the feedback; and their socio demographic and CME characteristics, were merged. Family physician ratings were significantly higher than surgeon ratings. Surgeons were more likely than family physicians to over-rate themselves relative to how others rated them. More than 70% of physicians contemplated change but fewer actually initiated change (68% of family physicians and 27% of surgeons). Several linear regression analyses provided evidence that socio demographic and CME participation variables explained some of the variance in ratings and use of feedback. Medical specialty, year of graduation or age, CME, academic appointments, practice location and work hours explained between 10 and 64% of the variance in ratings by self, peer, co-worker and patient. Approximately 18% of the contemplation of change variance related to specialty, self-directed CME, time spent reviewing the data, whether data was reviewed with others and self-rating. The variables that accounted for 10% of the variance in initiation of change were specialty, year of graduation, collegial CME, contemplation of change and ratings by co-workers. These findings suggest assessment of practicing physician performance ratings should consider specialty, CME participation, and socio demographic variables as they may partially explain variance in ratings and contribute to a fuller understanding of construct validity issues inherent in multi source feedback ratings. |
