Review Process

The steps in a typical PPR-NL peer review process are:

1. Random selection – Program participants are selected at random.
2. Determination of eligibility – Physicians will be sent a questionnaire to help determine their eligibility to participate in PPR-NL. Responses will help the College determine whether, for example, a member is considering maternity/paternity leave, or is nearing retirement.
3. Supporting information requested – Physicians who are selected to participate will be asked to provide additional information about their type and location of practice, as well as about their administrative processes.
4. Depth of review determined – Once selected for participation in peer review, physicians will be assigned one of three initial depths of review – onsite, offsite, and internal review.
5. Review conducted – A peer reviewer is assigned and the review is conducted. An onsite practice review will typically involve a half-day site visit (morning or afternoon) that will involvement an assessment of clinical processes and procedures, documentation, and patient care. Peer reviewers will gain insight into patient management through a review of patient records, as well as by having a conversation with the physician, to help them to gain an understanding of the “story of the patient”.
6. College reviews results – The College consults with the peer reviewer regarding the results of the review.
7. Report provided – Physicians are provided with a written report of the results of the review.
8. Peer reviewer and physician discuss results – At the conclusion of the peer review, the physician and the reviewer will discuss the outcome of the assessment as well as strategies for incorporating recommendations. Physicians are encouraged to ask questions, share the experience, and seek clarification as needed. Peer reviewers will discuss the review with the physician.
9. Action plan – The physician will prepare a brief action plan, which is intended to carry forward the suggestions identified during the review, to link professional development efforts to the opportunities for practice improvement identified.