Upward feedback in anesthesiology training: from theory to practice

Upward feedback, in which trainees provide structured evaluations of their supervisors, is increasingly recognized as a valuable element of medical education. It supports a culture of continuous learning, open communication, and mutual accountability. By offering trainees a structured and safe platform to evaluate their supervisors, upward feedback can enhance teaching quality, strengthen professional relationships, and support the overall learning environment. Digital platforms such as Medbook facilitate this process by enabling efficient feedback collection, safeguarding confidentiality, and presenting results in a user-friendly format. Despite these strengths, implementation challenges remain. Trainees may be hesitant to give candid feedback due to hierarchical dynamics, while supervisors may struggle with critical input because of time constraints or perceived threats to their credibility. To be effective, upward feedback must be framed as constructive and growth-oriented rather than punitive. This requires ongoing institutional support, clear guidance, and dedicated time for reflection and follow-up. When thoughtfully implemented, upward feedback can lead to measurable improvements in supervision and education, ultimately benefiting patient care.