Clinical Peer Review Impact on Quality and Safety – Newest Findings

In the fall of 2011, I initiated the Longitudinal Clinical Peer Review Effectiveness Study and solicited updated information from physician and hospital leaders at 470 hospitals which had participated in either or both of my two prior national studies. The full report of findings is featured in the September/October issue of the Journal of Healthcare Management complemented by an online-only supplement. The results also have important implications for nursing practice, regardless of whether a formal nursing peer review program is in place.

The study showed that self-reporting of adverse events, near misses and hazardous conditions – a practice proven to enhance aviation safety – is beginning to be embraced in healthcare and is producing the expected results. Furthermore, it showed that very little progress has been made in adopting the best practice QI model, which is associated not only with greater quality and safety, but also with superior physician engagement and physician-hospital relations. Four of every five hospitals have substantial room for improvement in peer review program structure, process and/or governance.

I’ve updated the Clinical Peer Review Program Self-Assessment Tool to reflect these latest findings. You can quickly and easily evaluate your own program at: https://qatoqi.com/php/set.php. Use the results to help communicate the need for change or track progress with improvement efforts.

Coming Next: Patient Safety Culture

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Marc T. Edwards, MD, MBA

President & CEO

QA to QI

An AHRQ Listed Patient Safety Organization