In our national survey of clinical peer review practices, we found wide variation in the rates of pre-review screening and in the proportion of screened cases that proceed to formal peer review. Even so, there was no association with the perceived effectiveness of the program.
Screened cases are not generally subject to clinical performance measurements. Thus, the process is of concern as a potential source of bias and inefficiency.
The inefficiency arises from the effort expended to review the case without capturing any useful information. This report helps the governing committee for peer review process keep tabs on the variation among committees. The cumulative results of our clients' experience and data on this subject will help drive the next round of improvements in peer review process.