The design and function of a peer review process
The design and function of a peer review process
According to the Joint Commission memorandum addressing peer review processes, a properly designed peer review process should:
• define those circumstances requiring peer review;
• specify participants in the review process, including a definition of "peer" developed by the medical staff;
• define a method for selecting peer review panels for specific circumstances;
• identify time frames in which peer review activities are to be conducted and the results reported;
• specify circumstances under which external peer review is required;
• provide for participation of the reviewee in the peer review process.
An effectively functioning peer review process should include:
• consistency in all cases meeting the organization’s definition of reviewable circumstances;
• timeliness in which procedures are reasonably adhered to;
• defensible conclusions reached through processes which include, as appropriate, reference to the literature and relevant clinical practice guidelines;
• balanced consideration of minority opinions and views of the review;
• usefulness in practitioner-specific credentialing and privileging decisions and, as appropriate, the organization’s performance improvement activities;
• ongoing monitoring of peer review decisions and actions for effectiveness.
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