[Mutual evaluation as a method of quality assurance in hospital units]

Mutual visit schemes have been used in quality assurance of general practice. We have examined the effect of mutual evaluation in the quality assurance of patient care in hospital units.

Four university hospital units for medical gastroenterology received and performed one visit each. The visits were performed by one doctor and two nurses and lasted two days. The visit resulted in written reports that were first discussed locally and subsequently jointly in connection with a seminar. The evaluation was based on reported experiences, proposed improvements and surveys of patient satisfaction before and after the mutual evaluation process. A method was developed for surveying patient satisfaction with outpatient endoscopy.

The mutual evaluation created enthusiasm, increased understanding and generated many proposals for improvement. Some improvement was observed in patients' satisfaction with the information given. The study suggests that mutual evaluation is a suitable method for quality assurance of patient care in hospital units.