Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
Impact of peer review audit on occupational health report quality
D Lalloo1, E Demou2, E B Macdonald3
1NHS Lanarkshire, Salus Occupational Health, Safety & Return to Work Services, Hamilton ML3 0TA, UK, Healthy Working Lives Group, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK, drushca@hotmail.com.
Background:
In a previous report, we described the implementation of a formal process for peer review of occupational health (OH) reports and a method of assessment of the outcomes of this process. The initial audit identified that 27% of OH reports required modifications.
Aims:
To assess formally, following implementation of this process, if changes in practice had occurred, i.e. whether fewer deficiencies were being identified in reports.
Methods:
We repeated a prospective internal audit of all peer reviewed OH reports between September and November 2011. We used an abbreviated assessment form, based on questions 4-8 and 10-12 of the modified SAIL (Sheffield Assessment Instrument for Letters), with four possible outcomes: no action, no changes made to report following discussion with author, changes made without discussion with author and changes made following discussion with author.
Results:
One hundred seventy-three reports by 10 clinicians were audited. The audit identified a 13% reduction in OH reports requiring modifications (from 27 to 14%) compared with the previous cycle. Where modifications were required, 8% of these were related to minor typographical, spelling and grammar errors and 6% were for more complex reasons. Implementation of this process also produced a reduction in clinical complaints about OH reports from customers, from three in the preceding year to none 2 years later.
Conclusions:
Peer review improved the standard of OH reports and was associated with a reduction in customer complaints about reports.
Insights
Formal peer review significantly improved occupational health (OH) report quality, reducing necessary modifications by 13%. This enhanced process also led to a decrease in customer complaints regarding OH reports.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Medical Auditing
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- A formal peer review process for occupational health (OH) reports was previously established.
- An initial audit revealed 27% of OH reports required modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if implementing the formal peer review process led to improved OH report quality.
- To determine if fewer deficiencies were identified in reports after process implementation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective internal audit of 173 peer-reviewed OH reports from September to November 2011 was conducted.
- An abbreviated assessment form based on the modified Sheffield Assessment Instrument for Letters (SAIL) was utilized.
- Outcomes were categorized as: no action, changes without discussion, or changes with discussion.
Main Results:
- A 13% reduction in OH reports requiring modifications was observed (from 27% to 14%).
- Modifications were for minor errors (8%) or complex reasons (6%).
- Clinical complaints about OH reports decreased from three in the prior year to none two years later.
Conclusions:
- Formal peer review enhances the quality of occupational health reports.
- The peer review process is associated with a reduction in customer complaints regarding OH reports.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
01:11Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
01:25Types of Reports I: Hand-off Report
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process:
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
01:20Introduction to Documentation and Reporting
Nursing documentation records essential information and details regarding a patient's care and treatment in written or electronic form. It is a critical aspect of nursing practice that involves documenting assessments, interventions, outcomes, and other relevant details about a patient's health status.
Documentation maps the patient's health journey by creating a comprehensive...
01:19Quality Assurance