Peer review is an important element to ensure the lab produces high-quality results. According to Nancy H. Adams of the US Environmental Protection Agency, “Peer review is a check for the validity of conclusions and the general agreement with the body of knowledge in the subject area.” Lab peers are the people with the most knowledge and understanding to review lab experiments, analyses, and outcomes. By applying this knowledge to each other’s work, they provide the first step in an effective quality review process. Here are five tips from lab quality expert Dan Zuccarello of the RBF Consulting Group LLC to improve the lab’s peer review process.
Be specific
Whenever an issue is discovered during a peer review, provide specifics about the issue. Provide sufficient context so that the bench scientist can understand the reviewer's perspective and either correct the issue or rebut the reviewer. Ideally, sufficient specificity is provided to minimize back-and-forth communication between the reviewer and the scientist.
Be helpful
All feedback from the peer reviewer must be intended to help the scientist. There is no room for mean or disrespectful feedback in a successful lab. Most feedback in peer reviews may focus on errors or mistakes, but the peer review is also a good opportunity to offer suggestions that can help scientists improve their skills and outcomes. The peer review can serve as both a teaching tool and a quality review.
Be complete
The peer review must encompass the elements of the work that contribute to the results and conclusions drawn by the scientist. Part of the complexity of completing peer reviews is the enormous range of things that could be included. Labs need to provide useful guidance to peer reviewers about the things that must be reviewed and additional items that might be reviewed in different circumstances. In most cases, the peer review will cover the things most important to the lab. It is often helpful to start with methods, samples, materials, equipment, calculations, and results.
Track severity
Some labs benefit from tracking the severity of items discovered during peer review. This can be an important metric for the lab to track, improve, and learn from. When tracking severity, it is vital that the lab produces consistent definitions and trains all peer reviewers on how to assign them.
Keep it simple
Peer review can be a complex and challenging process. One way to address the inherent complexity of the process is to generate peer review forms that have the required fields and sufficient space for the reviewer to document specific observations. By developing standardized peer review forms, the lab can assist reviewers and streamline the process.
Peer review is a crucial component of a laboratory’s quality system. Enabling a strong and effective peer review process allows labs to identify and correct errors and mistakes, and helps educate staff to continue growing and developing as scientists. While peer review can be complicated, focusing on the elements most important to the lab and its stakeholders will provide an effective process to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality results.
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