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

The responsibility for auditing clinical learner areas was developed from the Welsh National Board to individual educational establishments in Wales in 1988. The West Glamorgan College of Nursing and Midwifery designed on audit tool, based on the National Board's guidelines, and have used it in clinical areas since 1990. This paper reports on an evaluation survey carried out after the tool had been in use for one year. The results suggest that the ward/area managers involved have been able to identify a range of benefits for their units with the introduction of the tool, and demonstrate an acceptance of the need to maintain standards of practice and education.