Assessing Physician Performance Using Multisource Surveys: Do Biases Exist Due to Gender, Country of Training, Native Language, and Age?

Abstract Background: With a growing number of foreign-trained physicians joining the United States workforce, there is a need to assess their job performance fairly. The purpose of this study was to explore the fairness of a multisource competency assessment on U.S.- and non-U.S.-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. Results: There were no significant differences in performance outcomes at the scale level of teamwork, motivating or discouraging behaviors, technical practice, and patient interactions, nor the item level based on demographic differences. Conclusions: The PULSE 360 is a powerful tool that can be used to evaluate physician performance without bias due demographic differences including: gender, country of physician medical training, physician native language, or age.