Auditing the clinical learning environment in West Glamorgan: evaluating the process

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Auditing
• Clinical Practice Standards

Background:

• The responsibility for auditing clinical learner areas transferred to educational institutions in Wales in 1988.
• The West Glamorgan College of Nursing and Midwifery developed an audit tool based on National Board guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and impact of a newly designed clinical audit tool.
• To assess the benefits and acceptance of the audit tool by ward/area managers.

Main Methods:

• An evaluation survey was conducted after the audit tool had been in use for one year.
• The survey focused on the experiences of ward/area managers utilizing the tool in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Ward/area managers identified various benefits for their units following the tool's implementation.
• There was a demonstrated acceptance of the tool's role in maintaining standards of practice and education.

Conclusions:

• The clinical audit tool is perceived as beneficial by healthcare managers.
• The tool supports the ongoing maintenance of standards in clinical learning environments.