Peer Observation and CPD

Deborah Davys & Viv JonesHarrogate 2008

Defining peer observation

• A form of peer review within teaching practice

• Where colleagues observe each other's practice to provide feedback and discussion that will promote reflection

• Similar to concepts of peer support and peer review within the practice setting

Benefits of peer observation

• Supports the identification of strengths and developmental needs

• Facilitates the development of an action plan for improvement

• Reviews professional reasoning skills• Promotes self-confidence• Motivates self-directed learning• Benefits observed and observer

Relevance of peer observation to practice

• Can be used to promote reflection, enhanced professional reasoning, self-awareness, avoid ritualistic practice and improve quality of practice in all areas of occupational therapy practice:• Clinical setting

ManagementEducation

Group task:• In groups of 5/6 delegates please

discuss the following:• How do you currently receive feedback on

your practice?• How is feedback on your practice

incorporated into your CPD?• Has your practice ever been observed by a

peer, if so, what was the process and what were the positive/negatives of this?

• If you have not had your practice observed, what is your initial reaction to this idea, what do you think could be the positives/negatives of such a process?

Peer Observation

A suggested approach

Summary:

• Select an observer• Agree what will be observed/

commented on• Observation • Reflection • Feedback• (Follow up)

Selecting your observer

• Who should this be?• How much experience does the

observer need?• What qualities /skills should

observer have?• Unilateral or mutual approach?

Agree what will be observed / commented upon

• Agree in advance:• “Big picture” or specific skills

/behaviour? • Ground rules• What happens if the observer has

professional concerns?• How feedback will be given

• Seek consent if clients involved

The observation:

• Explain process to client/others• Observer takes no active role in

session• Informal notes or use of agreed

form• How long should it last?

Reflection

• Observed person only? Or both parties?

• Format?• How much time allowed?

Feedback

• Private• Recorded/ not recorded?

Follow up

• The future: • One-off event?• Mutual arrangement? • Different partnerships? • Departmental approach or individual

arrangement ?

Group task

• In groups of 5 or 6 please consider:

what ground rules you would like, and why

Peer observation and your own practice:

• Does it have a potential place in your own cpd strategy?

• What might be the barriers and opportunities?

• How will you take peer observation forward?