Physician peer review surveys: a management tool for improving quality of patient care

An increasing number of patients are presenting multiple medical problems requiring the collaboration of two or more physician specialists or subspecialists for effective treatment. The quality of care delivered to multiple-problem patients depends greatly on how well the physician specialists interact with one another. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) has developed and implemented a physician peer review survey that enables physicians to receive anonymous feedback on the service they provide to their colleagues. The survey has been implemented in both medical and surgical departments. Colleagues have identified areas for improvement to increase collaboration and enhance effectiveness in treating multiproblem patients. The data have led to a variety of specific service-related improvements and changes in physician behavior. Though originally conceived as a quality improvement technique, the physician review survey has become an internal marketing and management tool for physician managers.