Note: This article was originally published in our Autumn 2019 edition of our On Call newsletter, and has not been updated.
In January 2020, the College of Midwives of Ontario is launching the new Peer and Practice Assessment Program and 10% of midwives registered in the General class will be randomly selected to participate.
Peer and practice assessments are designed to be educational and supportive while also assuring that practising midwives are competent in providing safe care. Each selected member will participate in an hour-long distance assessment with a qualified assessor. Distance assessments are conducted either over the phone or online. Upon being matched with a member, assessors will contact selected members directly to schedule an appropriate time for the assessment. Assessments consist of short scenarios based on situations midwives encounter in clinical practice and will provide an opportunity for members to share their knowledge and expertise.
A portion of the distance assessments will result in a second in-person assessment. These in-person assessments will include a review of a small number of the member’s charts and discussion of the care provided. The member’s Quality Assurance Program (QAP) activities will also be reviewed with the member.
Peer and practice assessments are a requirement for all regulated health professionals in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, O.Reg. 335/12, s.10(1). The components of the College’s peer and practice assessment are made under the Midwifery Act, 1991.
More information on assessments will be available on the website in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions about the Peer and Practice Assessment Program, please contact the Quality Assurance Department qap@cmo.on.ca or 416.640.2252 ext. 227 or toll-free 1.844.640.2252 ext. 227.