KSTAR Program
Today’s physicians face more demands than ever before – increased workload pressures, higher public and patient expectations, continuous technological advances, new responsibilities to meet explicit clinical standards, greater emphasis on training, and a need to participate in continuing professional development.
With these arduous demands comes the potential for medical errors or omissions of care because of poor performance or the perception that a physician has a trend of negative events. Another factor is each physician’s professional and ethical obligation to hold himself or herself accountable for their performance and to analyze and therefore reduce or eliminate errors within his/her respective institutions (in the form of peer review).
Poor physician performance or the perception of poor physician performance can be devastating for the patient, his/her family, the health care institution and the physician. The outcome is magnified when made public, resulting in loss of confidence in the medical profession and broadening the perceptions of poor health care outcomes.
For more Information Contact
Tammy Wagner
979-436-0390
KSTAR is a program designed for the physician who needs an assessment program to demonstrate his/her knowledge base and clinical skills. This is where KSTAR becomes invaluable. KSTAR stands for "Knowledge," "Skills," "Training," "Assessment" and "Research." The program developed by the Texas A&M Health Science Center Rural and Community Health Institute assists in determining if perceived problems are systemic or specific to a physician’s performance.
The program provides appropriate resolutions to benefit both the doctor and the health care institution. Additionally, the program is very well suited to assist the physician who desires to re-enter practice. The KSTAR program assesses knowledge and expertise and offers education and training. Through the assessment, an individually tailored plan is developed to create higher performing physicians and improve the safety and quality of medical care provided.
KSTAR is unique and different from most other assessment centers in two ways: 1. The program’s affiliation with John Peter Smith (JPS) Health Network where training often referred to as a “mini-residency” can be provided; 2. Any needed ongoing monitoring can be provided through the institute’s physician peer review program.
The program offers an opportunity to enhance patient safety through TJC FPPE requirements with a period of focused professional practice evaluation and peer review.
KSTAR works collaboratively with the National Coalition for Physician Enhancement (CPE) and state medical boards.
