Aspects of audit. 5: Looking forward to audit

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality improvement
• Clinical governance
• Medical practice evaluation

Background:

• Medical audit is gaining formal support from professional bodies in Britain.
• Challenges exist due to inadequate medical records and data retrieval systems.
• Evaluating traditional patient care processes requires robust information on practice patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance on selecting methods and topics for medical audit.
• To address practical challenges in implementing medical audit.
• To advocate for the criterion system as an effective audit method.

Main Methods:

• The criterion system of audit is proposed as a standardized approach.
• This method allows review of patient groups with common characteristics.
• Effective implementation requires high-quality medical records and dedicated staff.

Main Results:

• The criterion system offers a common standard for effective medical review.
• Despite record system limitations, audit can be implemented.
• Central support from royal colleges and local assistance from community physicians are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Medical audit, particularly using the criterion system, is poised for establishment in Britain.
• Addressing data quality and ensuring strong institutional support are key to successful audit implementation.
• Collaboration between national bodies and local clinicians will facilitate effective medical audit.