A comparison of performance assessment programs for medical practitioners in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United kingdom.

Purpose: To compare programs designed to assess the performance of practicing doctors in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Methods: Senior representatives of 11 organizations undertaking performance assessments were invited to provide a description of their programs, using a standardized written questionnaire.

Results: Collectively, the 11 organizations provide 16 performance assessment programs that operate on three levels: those that screen populations of doctors (Level 1), those that target "at risk" groups (Level 2), and those that assess individuals who may be performing poorly (Level 3).