Proctors, Their Role and Value

I have recently received a number of questions concerning “proctors,” their relationship to the medical staff, qualification, privileges and compensation. Before we delve into these questions, let’s take a look at just what “proctoring” means.

According to most dictionaries, proctoring, to proctor and (the noun) proctor generally relate to “a person appointed to keep watch over students at examinations, to supervise or monitor, a person who administers a test.”

In the course of either F or OPPE (focused or ongoing professional practice evaluation), medical staffs most often use the term “proctor” to mean a person with like or similar skills and knowledge who will observe the work of another in order to render a report to the medical executive committee concerning the overall quality of the work under observation.

A proctor is not an assistant during a clinical event, is not a trainer, is not a disciplinarian and is not a supervisor. He or she is simply present to observe and report. However, we could easily imagine a situation in which a proctor may feel the need to intervene or assist the person subject to proctoring because of imminent potential harm to the patient. While this situation rarely occurs, it is a distinct possibility.

Written by Hugh Greeley Credentialing and Healthcare Industry Expert HG Healthcare Consultant Connect with Hugh