A peer review involves a critique by other professionals in the same business, with the same qualifications and credentials. Peer review is used in a variety of industries and is a widely accepted form of critical analysis of a professional's work. Healthcare fields are known primarily for using the peer review system. Doctors evaluate other doctors; nurses review the work of other nurses. A third party who doesn't work with the subject and has no ties except for the same credentials does an external peer review.
Who
Consulting firms that specialize in providing external peer reviews often are called in to perform a job review. While healthcare providers are widely known for their use of peer review services, other industries such as accounting firms and educational institutions, governmental bodies and scientific organizations utilize external peer review consultants. Nonprofit organizations such as the American Medical Foundation and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants can provide peer review referrals.
What
A peer review may include a random selection of the books of a company or of various cases handled by a physician. In the case of legal proceedings, an external peer review report can be called into testimony. A single case may be studied and analyzed by the professionals called in to perform the review. When various institutions apply for industry accreditation or certifications, an external peer review often is utilized as part of the overall vetting process.
Why
External peer reviews also are referred to as independent peer reviews. As such, they remove any questions of bias or prejudice when a report is needed for certification or legal purposes. An independent reviewer often never meets the subject of the review and makes recommendations based on the records and charts of the physician or accountant. An outside third party provides a level of credibility to a report when a company is seeking funding.
When
Many organizations utilize external peer reviews as a part of regular company audits to maintain a level of service and avoid problems. When a doctor or company executive does become involved in a controversy, a third party can be called in to avoid a conflict of interest that could arise if a review was done by a peer within the organization. Mediators often rely on the reports of independent peer review reports to assist in conflict resolutions.
How
Look for independent peer review companies that have been approved by the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC). URAC is a nonprofit organization that maintains certain benchmark standards with their own set of reviewing rules. The URAC helps to provide standards when healthcare operations need a rating on which to rely.
