Role of inspectors in external review mechanisms: criteria for selection, training and appraisal

There is a wide consensus that an external review mechanism, both in the fo rm of a peer review, accreditation and certification according to the ISO 9 000 series, is more than its standards. The survey process, the role of ins pectors and standard interpretation contribute to the essence of the progra mme itself. Above all, the criteria used for the selection, training and ap praisal of inspectors are of paramount importance. While the ISO norms do n ot require certification bodies to employ "peer reviewers" for the healthca re sector, experience in this sector is the main criterion for recruiting i nspectors in accreditation and peer review programmes. However, the ISO/IEC Guide 58, for the setting up and operation of a laboratory accreditation b ody, specifies that inspectors should have appropriate technical knowledge of the specific calibrations, tests or types of calibration or tests for wh ich accreditation is sought. Training, updating and assessment of inspector s are clearly defined under ISO, but are also systematic under accreditatio n programmes. Part-time inspectors who are professionals currently practisi ng in a healthcare facility and are in touch with the day-to-day work reali ty are preferred for accreditation programmes which have self-regulation, e ducation and quality improvement as their main concerns, while full-time an d external inspectors are used in external review mechanisms with registrat ion and certification as their main concerns. As well as harmonising the st andards for accreditation, it is important to obtain consensus on the crite ria to use for the selection, training and assessment of inspectors in orde r to ensure that different national or international programmes gain mutual recognition. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.