In the late 1980s, a group of RWHC members identified the need for an objective, retrospective review of the medical/surgical management of cases – with a strong emphasis on confidentiality. It was also important that the program focus on the quality of the health care delivery process, from a system-specific or clinical aspect.
From those early discussions, the RWHC Peer Review Service has developed into an effective and economical option for rural medical staffs and hospitals as they evaluate the quality and appropriateness of patient care. The service continues to operate under the same objectives developed by the original steering committee:
- To promote the incorporation of quality improvement methods/ approaches into case reviews.
- To provide objective, non-binding reviews by external physician/ provider peers who are not on the same staff or in economic competition with the reviewee.
- To provide independent, non-binding reviews by specialists not available in house.
- To assist physicians and other providers in meeting the increasing and dynamic requirements of case review.
- To disseminate information regarding peer review standards, criteria and practices.
- To foster innovation in peer review in an effort to improve the quality of care.
- To provide a tool that allows for objective analysis of medical care.
During the review process, a coordinator from RWHC communicates regularly with the hospital contact person to coordinate the details of the project and interviews potential reviewers from a qualified panel of providers with rural-based practices. Typically, completed reports are available to the contact person within four weeks of the receipt of records. The identities of both the reviewer and the reviewee is held in the strictest confidence—all references are deleted by the contact person or RWHC staff before passing on any documentation.
For additional information about the RWHC Peer Review Service, please contact Bonnie Laffey at (608) 643-2343.