Level 2 of peer review involves which of the following activities?

Level 2 of peer review primarily focuses on confirming variances and assessing patterns in clinical practice. This stage involves a deeper investigation of care delivery, looking closely at outcomes, practices, and adherence to standards. The objective is to identify areas where performance deviates from established norms, which can provide insights into systemic issues or opportunities for improvement in patient care.

The emphasis on patterns allows healthcare organizations to not only detect isolated incidents of concern but also to analyze trends that could indicate more significant systemic problems. This is crucial for enhancing the quality of care and ensuring that best practices are followed consistently across services.

The other activities listed may be important in the overall quality management process but are not specifically associated with Level 2 peer review. For instance, while reviewing patient satisfaction is essential, it falls more under level 1 initiatives aimed at capturing initial feedback on care rather than a detailed variance assessment. Preparing reports for accreditation and conducting audits of financial performance have different focuses, relating to compliance and financial health rather than direct clinical practice review.