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Psychiatric audits. The Ontario scene.
Summary
A 1978 survey on psychiatric audits in Ontario found 66% of facilities use them, though comprehensiveness varies. While 50% saw care improvement, 71% noted staff education benefits from these audits.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Healthcare Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- In 1978, the state of psychiatric audits in Ontario was largely undocumented.
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of these audits was crucial for assessing healthcare quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey and analyze the current status of psychiatric audits in Ontario facilities.
- To evaluate the perceived impact of audits on psychiatric care and staff education.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in early 1978 among Ontario psychiatric facilities.
- Data collected included the existence, comprehensiveness, and multidisciplinary nature of audit systems.
Main Results:
- 66% of responding facilities reported having a psychiatric audit system.
- Audits were comprehensive in 52% of facilities, more so in provincial hospitals than general hospital units.
- Multidisciplinary audits were present in 64% of facilities.
Conclusions:
- While perceived impact on care improvement was moderate (50%), a significant majority (71%) acknowledged audits' contribution to staff education.
- The study highlights variability in audit comprehensiveness and suggests a need for standardized approaches.
- The authors also discuss their experience with introducing a criteria audit system, including influencing factors, advantages, and criticisms.