Peer observation: A tool for continuing professional development

Peer observation has been advocated as a means of monitoring and improving the quality of teaching in higher education, while peer support and review have been used to provide feedback and monitoring in the clinical context. The process of peer observation of practice in educational, managerial and clinical settings could facilitate improvements in all aspects of practice, have relevance as a tool for continuing professional development and help improve the quality of care for service users. This article presents a background to peer observation and highlights its relevance to health-care professionals. A practical process to assist in the implementation of peer observation is outlined, with consideration to relevant contextual issues.