Doctors Multi Source Feedback (MSF)

What is multi source feedback for doctors revalidation?

Multi source feedback, often shortened to MSF, is structured feedback collected from the people who work with you and the people you care for. You might also hear it called 360 degree feedback for doctors.

For most doctors, MSF forms part of the supporting information in the five year revalidation cycle. It is designed to give a rounded view of professional behaviours such as communication, teamwork, respect and professionalism. The value is not just in the scores, but in what you learn from the comments and how you use them to shape your development.

Who needs MSF and when is it required?

In most cases, doctors will need to provide analysed multi source feedback from both patients and colleagues at least once within the revalidation cycle.

There are occasional exceptions. For example, if you work in a role where it is not possible to obtain feedback from a particular group, patient feedback may not be feasible. Any exception should be discussed and agreed with your Responsible Officer.

GMC aligned MSF that is practical for busy healthcare settings

Healthcare is demanding. Whether you are a GP, a locum doctor, a clinician in a private hospital, or working across multiple sites, the biggest challenge is usually logistics:

Getting the right mix of respondents

A meaningful colleague and patient feedback for revalidation exercise should reflect your scope of practice. That may include clinical colleagues, managers, administrators, allied health professionals and, where relevant, trainees or students.

Keeping the process independent and fair

MSF works best when people feel able to respond honestly and confidentially. ACI Training & Consultancy helps you run a structured process so feedback is collected appropriately and presented clearly.

Turning feedback into evidence for appraisal

You do not just need questionnaires completed. You need a doctor appraisal feedback report that is easy to interpret, easy to upload to your portfolio, and useful for reflection and development planning.

How ACI Training & Consultancy can help with multi source feedback

We offer a choice of feedback solutions depending on your requirements, your timescales and whether you already use ACI Training & Consultancy for appraisal support.

Patient feedback and colleague feedback options

We can facilitate both patient and colleague MSF and provide a report that supports appraisal reflection. This helps you meet doctors revalidation multi source feedback expectations without the usual last minute panic.

Using L2P or GMC questionnaires

If you are an existing appraisal customer, feedback can be completed via L2P or GMC questionnaires. If you are not currently an appraisal customer, we can support you using GMC questionnaires to help you avoid additional licensing costs.

Clear reporting that supports reflection

Once your feedback is collected, we provide an analysed report that highlights themes and gives you a structured basis for reflection. This makes it far easier to answer the key appraisal question: what did you learn, and what will you do next?

Who we support across the healthcare sector

While this page focuses on MSF for doctors and GP revalidation needs, ACI Training & Consultancy works across the healthcare sector and understands the governance and compliance pressures that sit around revalidation. We regularly support:

Doctors and GP practices

Including partners, salaried GPs, locums, and doctors working across multiple organisations.

Private hospitals and specialist services

Where multidisciplinary feedback is often essential and time is at a premium.

Healthcare agencies and complex care providers

Especially where doctors support wider clinical teams and need colleague feedback that reflects their true working environment.

If you are unsure whether your role makes patient feedback difficult, or you work in a non patient facing post for part of your scope, speak to our team.

We will help you plan an MSF approach that fits your context and supports your appraisal discussion.

How the process works - simple steps, supportive admin

Step 1: Tell us what you need

Let us know whether you need colleague feedback, patient feedback, or both. If you have an upcoming appraisal date, share your timeline so we can advise on the smoothest route.

Step 2: Choose the right tool

We will guide you to the most suitable option, including L2P where appropriate, or GMC multi source feedback (MSF) questionnaires when that is the best fit.

Step 3: Collect feedback confidentially

We support the administration process so the exercise stays structured, fair and manageable.

Step 4: Receive your report, ready for appraisal

You will receive a clear report you can reflect on, discuss with your appraiser, and upload to your portfolio.

Quick Answers to Common Questions About Multi Source Feedback for Revalidation

If you are searching in a hurry, these are the questions we hear most often:

What is multi source feedback for doctors?

It is structured colleague and patient feedback, sometimes called 360 degree feedback for doctors, used as supporting information for appraisal and GMC revalidation.

Do I need MSF for revalidation?

Most doctors need doctors revalidation multi source feedback at least once in the five year cycle, unless an exception is agreed with the Responsible Officer.

Can ACI Training & Consultancy provide an MSF report for my appraisal?

Yes. We facilitate colleague and patient feedback for revalidation and provide an analysed report designed to support appraisal reflection.

What if I do not have enough patient contact?

If patient feedback is not possible for your role, discuss this with your Responsible Officer. We can help you plan an appropriate alternative approach and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.

Is this the same as 360 degree feedback?

Yes. In revalidation terms, multi source feedback is commonly referred to as 360 degree feedback for doctors, because it gathers views from different groups you work with.

Why choose ACI Training & Consultancy?

You want MSF to be thorough, compliant, and as painless as possible. Our team is used to supporting busy clinicians and healthcare organisations.

We focus on:

Healthcare focused support

We understand clinical environments, governance expectations and what appraisers and Responsible Officers need to see.

Helpful administration

From choosing the right approach to helping you get your report ready to upload, we keep the process moving.

Clear, appraisal ready reporting

Your report is structured to make reflection easier and to support meaningful professional development.

Ready to collect your multi source feedback?

If you need GMC multi source feedback (MSF) completed for your revalidation cycle, or you want a clear doctor appraisal feedback report that you can use with confidence, contact ACI Training & Consultancy. Our team will talk you through the options and help you choose the most sensible route based on your role, timescales and budget.