Fairly Assessing U.S.- and Foreign-Trained Physician Performance Using 360-Degree Surveys

Abstract

Background With a growing number of foreign-trained physicians joining the United States workforce, there is a need to fairly assess their job performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the fairness of a 360-degree competency assessment on U.S.- and foreign-trained physicians. Methods We conducted a non-experimental retrospective analysis on physicians working in the United States (n = 258) who participated in a physician assessment and education program between 2007 and 2017. Results There were no significant differences in performance outcomes of teamwork, motivating or discouraging behaviors, technical practice, and patient interactions based on demographic differences. Conclusions The PULSE 360 is a powerful tool that can be used to evaluate physician performance without bias in demographic differences including: gender, country of physician medical training, physician native language, or age.