Safety

Strengthen peer review process by observing physicians on six indicators

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, February 23, 2006

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Historically, the peer review process has focused on reviewing medical records, says Barbara Ann Harmer, RN, BSN, MHA, senior consultant for Healthcare Consultants International, Inc., and AAAHC surveyor. Reviewing medical records alone may suffice to meet the AAAHC's standard for peer review (5.I.A-H).

But peer review should also serve as the basis for deciding whether you want to continue relationships and grant additional reappointment periods with practitioners, so "an organization should consider [that] there's a lot more to look at in the care of your patients than just the medical record completion," Harmer says.

For this reason, Harmer came up with six indicators to assess in your peer review process that will give you a snapshot of how a practitioner works within your organization.

Harmer suggests analyzing the following indicators:

  • Medical record audit transfers
  • IC
  • Adverse events
  • Patient satisfaction surveys
  • Adherence to organizational
  • Policies and procedures
Once you have gathered the data for these indicators, develop a summary sheet of the six items and attach any paperwork that supports the data. This will act as a report you can then analyze (and have at least two physicians review, to meet the AAAHC's standard).



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