Journal of Healthcare Management to Publish Findings

11/8/2012 - The Journal of Healthcare Management, the official journal of the American College of Healthcare Executives (Chicago, IL), has accepted for publication the latest scientific manuscript from Marc T. Edwards, MD, MBA, "A Longitudinal Study of Clinical Peer Review Program Impact on Quality and Safety in US Hospitals." Journal editor Stephen J. O'Connor, Ph.D., FACHE, Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham, expressed appreciation for Dr. Edwards' responsiveness to comments from the review process. He noted, "The manuscript is improved and the readers of the journal will benefit from this timely paper on an important topic." The article is expected to appear in the September 2013 issue.

The study looked in depth at peer review practices among 300 of 470 hospitals that participated in either or both of Dr. Edwards prior two national studies. It showed a persistently high rate of program change with very little movement toward adoption of the best practice QI Model, which is associated with significantly stronger impact on quality and safety, medical staff perceptions, and medical staff engagement. The study also demonstrated that self-reporting of adverse events, near misses and hazardous conditions –  an essential practice in high-reliability organizations - is no longer rare in hospitals. Both self-reporting and the quality of case review were shown to be additional multivariate predictors of program effectiveness.

"I am delighted that this manuscript will be published in the Journal of Healthcare Management," said Dr. Edwards. "It puts the information in front of those healthcare leaders who are best positioned to take the needed action. A culture of blame continues to dominate. It is a serious barrier to progress in patient safety."

Data from the study was used to enhance a free, online peer review program self-evaluation tool that QA to QI has offered since 2009.

American College of Healthcare Executives

The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE offers its prestigious FACHE® credential, signifying board certification in healthcare management. ACHE's established network of more than 80 chapters provides access to networking, education and career development at the local level. In addition, ACHE is known for its magazine, Healthcare Executive, and its career development and public policy programs. Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its goal of being the premier professional society for healthcare executives dedicated to improving healthcare delivery.

Marc T. Edwards

Marc T. Edwards, MD, MBA is President and CEO of QA to QI. He operates a Patient Safety Organization, conducts research in healthcare operations improvement, markets clinical peer review program management software, and assists clients to make improvements in quality, safety and resource use. For additional information, visit https://qatoqi.com/bio.htm or contact him directly: marc@qatoqi.com; 860.521.8484.

QA to QI LLC dba QA to QI PSO (West Hartford, CT; www.QAtoQI.com) specializes in the development of evidence-based tools for healthcare improvement through operations research.