This section provides information and guidance to participating physicians and to those invited to provide feedback to physicians.
In response to Dr. Doug Cochrane’s Investigation into Medical Imaging, Credentialing and Quality Assurance in 2012, the Province is taking steps to ensure that the services provided by all physicians meet expectations for high-quality.
The Performance Enhancement Framework established by the Province’s Physician Quality Assurance (PQA) Steering Committee includes measuring quality at the individual physician level in a way that: 1) promotes learning, 2) is confidential, 3) is non-punitive and 4) is not tied to compensation.
Data on the quality of facility-based physician services resides within the health authorities. In concert with other health authorities, PHSA’s Quality, Safety and Outcome Improvement, together with Performance Measurement and Reporting, will be partnering with physicians in each specialty to identify measures and refine the process for Physician Practice Profiles as part of province-wide quality assurance initiatives.
It is often said that what gets measured gets improved. We know that the physicians who deliver care in our facilities are committed to the highest quality. Several of PHSA’s specialized health care services, including Cardiac Services BC, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Midwifery, have demonstrated how Physician Practice Profiles support ongoing quality improvement.
All physicians are expected to receive Physician Practice Profiles as they are rolled out over the next two years. Beginning in 2015, you will be asked to contribute your subject matter expertise on the measures that could support quality improvement within your discipline.
Physician Practice Profiles for your area will allow you to:
- Individually reflect on a brief and confidential snapshot of your clinical practice.
- Reflect on your individual learning needs and plans with your Department Head or Medical Director in a safe environment, protected under the Evidence Act, Section 51.
- Monitor the results of changes to your clinical practice.
