Perceptions, Practices, and Prevalence of Nursing Peer Review Among Nurse Managers in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nursing peer review (NPR) is a critical process for improving nursing practices through timely feedback, fostering accountability, and enhancing care quality. Effective integration of NPR strategies in healthcare organizations requires an understanding of its perceptions, practices, and prevalence among nursing leaders, which serves as the foundation for successful implementation and sustainability. Aim: To evaluate NPR perceptions, practices, and prevalence among nurse managers in Qatar. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed 244 nurse managers at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. Data were collected using a validated tool that encompasses the NPR structure, process, prevalence, and perception metrics. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. This study used STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines for reporting. Results: NPR processes demonstrated widespread adoption, with 85.2% of respondents reporting nursing-led committees and 94.7% indicating the presence of unit-based councils (UBCs). NPR was prevalent at both unit and organizational levels, with 91.4% of participants identifying it as a necessary process. Magnet-seeking organizations reported higher engagement in NPR activities, with 42.2% citing nurse-to-nurse handoff/shift reports as a frequent NPR activity. Significant associations were observed between the magnet status and the availability of nursing-led structures (75.4%, p=0.005) and NPR necessity (80.3%, p=0.004). Moreover, 88.3% of participants viewed NPR as integral to quality and safety efforts, and 93% recognized its role in fostering professional autonomy and accountability. Conclusions: Nurse managers expressed positive perceptions of NPR, recognizing its role in improving clinical practice and care quality. The findings highlight the association between NPR and magnet-seeking efforts, underscoring the importance of aligning NPR policies with American Nursing Association (ANA) guidelines and magnet criteria to enhance implementation and sustainability.

Keywords: nurse managers; nursing; peer review; perception; performance appraisals; prevalence; work incidents.