The Effect of Specific Feedback on Critical Reflection of Students: Affecting Critical Reflection of Healthcare Professional Students During Clinical Internships

BACKGROUND: Critical reflection (CR) is an essential skill for expert clinical practice in various professions. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of specific written feedback provided by a coordinating faculty member (CC) on students? CR ability demonstrated in written journal entries. METHODS: A single cohort of students was divided into two groups. Students submitted weekly journal entries via e-mail. The submissions were read and the demonstrated CR was scored on a 5-point scale. Specific feedback from the CC was provided to Group1 during the first 8-week internship and Group 2 during the last 8-week internship. RESULTS: Few statistical differences were noted. Descriptively, the removal of specific feedback during the second 8-weeks appeared to have a negative effect on CR. The addition of specific feedback during the second 8-weeks may or may not have had an effect. CONCLUSION: It is still undetermined whether specific feedback makes a difference in CR ability as reflected in journal writing. However, it does appear that the timing and continuation of feedback once provided may be a factor in student performance.