Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Criterion-based clinical audit in obstetrics: bridging the quality gap?
1Immpact, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. w.graham@abdn.ac.uk
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|March 21, 2009
Summary
Improving maternal and infant health requires addressing care quality, not just access. Criterion-based clinical audit (CBCA) is a practical tool to enhance healthcare systems and reduce mortality in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Maternal Health
Background:
- The global target of reducing maternal mortality by 75% (Millennium Development Goal 5) is unlikely to be met, particularly in low-income nations.
- Scaling up services for mothers and babies necessitates addressing both the quantity (access) and quality of care.
- Effective management of life-threatening complications, crucial for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality, relies on a functional health system with skilled providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the practical application of criterion-based clinical audit (CBCA) as a monitoring mechanism.
- To highlight lessons learned from applying CBCA in developing countries.
- To emphasize the importance of quality assurance in maternal healthcare systems.
Main Methods:
- Summarizing practical steps for applying criterion-based clinical audit (CBCA).
- Reviewing recent experiences and lessons from CBCA implementation in developing countries.
- Focusing on monitoring mechanisms for healthcare quality.
Main Results:
- Criterion-based clinical audit (CBCA) is a practical mechanism for monitoring healthcare quality.
- Application of CBCA in developing countries provides valuable lessons for improving maternal and perinatal care.
- The effectiveness of CBCA is linked to the actions it stimulates within the health system.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the quality of care is essential for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality.
- Criterion-based clinical audit (CBCA) is a valuable tool for improving healthcare systems and practices.
- Successful implementation of CBCA depends on its ability to drive action and improvements among providers and within the health system.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Standards of Care II
Nurses bear specific legal responsibilities under several federal statutes, including:
01:22Standards of Care I
Federal statutes profoundly impact nursing practice, providing critical guidelines to ensure patient care is equitable, accessible, and of the highest quality. The following laws address distinct aspects of healthcare provision and patient rights:
01:27Nursing Clinical Information System
Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS)
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:23Methods of Documentation V: CBE
Charting by Exception, or CBE, is a method of documentation used in healthcare, particularly in nursing, that focuses on documenting only significant or abnormal findings rather than recording every detail. This approach aims to streamline the documentation process, improve efficiency, and ensure that healthcare providers can quickly identify deviations from normalcy in patient assessments.
In CBE, healthcare professionals establish predefined standards of practice that define what constitutes...
In CBE, healthcare professionals establish predefined standards of practice that define what constitutes...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...