Implementation of a Peer Learning Program Replacing Score-Based Peer Review in a Multispecialty Integrated Practice

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a peer learning program to score-based peer review in a radiology department.

Our score-based peer review program was transitioned to an open, inclusive, education- and improvement-oriented peer learning program. Program performance was evaluated by learning opportunity submissions, program participation, number of learning opportunity distributions to radiologists, number of practice improvement projects resulting from program, and radiologist survey results before and after interventions.

Outcomes for the score-based peer review program compared with those of the peer learning program were as follows. The mean number of radiologists participating monthly increased from 5.0 to 35.2 (p < 0.01); submissions increased from 3.0 discrepancies per month to 36.0 learning opportunities per month (p < 0.01); the mean monthly learning opportunity distributions to radiologists increased from 18 to 352 (p < 0.01); improvement projects performed during the study periods increased from 5 to 61 (p < 0.01); and mean monthly continuing medical education credits earned by radiologists increased from 7.7 to 50.6 (p < 0.01). Radiologists felt peer learning accomplished goals better than did score-based peer review.

In transitioning our score-based peer review program to a peer learning program, our radiologists identified, discussed, and converted more learning opportunities into practice improvement and perceived peer learning to be of higher value than score-based peer review.