A model for multidisciplinary peer review and supervision of behavioral health clinicians

The authors describe a semi-annual program for multidisciplinary peer revie w and supervision that is in use at two rural adult and child mental health and drug and alcohol service agencies. The program incorporates semiannual chart reviews and face-to-face discussions held with each clinician by a m ultidisciplinary supervisory group. Several quality improvement issues addr essed by this program are described, including improved communication, impr oved clinical diagnosis, the establishment of service parameters, more appr opriate referrals for psychiatric and other medical care, and improved clin ician skills. The program represents an inexpensive approach to peer review and supervision that can incorporate university-based consultants, improve quality of care, improve clinicians' skills, and be readily applied by cli nical supervisors to most behavioral health settings.