PSRO and quality assurance: what is the occupational therapist's role?

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Occupational Therapy
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSROs) play a crucial role in evaluating patient care quality.
• Occupational therapists have opportunities to participate in these quality evaluation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the characteristics of the PSRO review process.
• To describe how occupational therapists can actively participate in patient care evaluation.
• To identify specific roles and strategies for occupational therapist involvement.

Main Methods:

• The article details a two-step approach for occupational therapist engagement.
• Individual participation involves chart audits of occupational therapy care quality.
• Organized participation requires collaboration through state or local occupational therapy associations.

Main Results:

• Occupational therapists can conduct chart audits based on departmental criteria to assess care quality.
• Engagement can be enhanced through PSRO committees within professional associations.
• Representatives can liaise with PSROs to integrate occupational therapy perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapists can significantly contribute to the PSRO review process through both individual and organized efforts.
• Active participation enhances the quality of occupational therapy services and patient care.
• Professional associations are key facilitators for effective therapist involvement in quality assurance.