Ask the expert: How should we start designing a physician competency feedback report?

The most critical issue on physician’s minds when it comes to competency data is how the hospital will use that data. The following 10 questions can guide the development of your physician competency feedback report and serve as the basis for your medical staff policy and procedure regarding feedback reports. Your answers, which should be compiled in a document, can be used as an educational tool for physicians who want to know more about the data collection and distribution:

• Why is the report being distributed?
• What aspects of competency will the report cover?
• How will the indicators and targets be selected?
• Which indicators will be linked to credentialing?
• Who will receive the data?
• How often will the data be distributed?
• How should the report be interpreted?
• When will the physicians be held accountable for performance?
• How will the report follow-up be performed?
• How will the report be improved?

This week’s question and answer are adapted from Measuring Physician Competency, Second Edition by Robert Marder, MD, CMSL; Mark Smith, MD; Marla Smith, MHSA; and Vicky Searcy, CPMSM.